This is a pretty scene, and that dirt path gives us a bit of a respite from all the white, and leads the eye to the background too. Overall, though I don't get a strong sense of subject, and that might have been what a lot of other voters felt too.
Lovely winter image. I get the feeling that a bit too much USM has gone into the branches (though I could be wrong) which takes away from their delicate nature somewhat. I'm wondering if you burned the sky at the top of the image, as it seems a little unnaturally grey - although this could be highlighted by USM on the brances. The image is a busy one; perhaps you could have focused a little more on the path or the house, as currently the voters' eyes aren't drawn to either.
I like this image, but wish that you would have desaturated the road... i find that I am looking at it, when I should be looking at the trees/snow/house.