I'm no Chase, but my winter beard sequence is

1) Stop shaving completely for about a week.
2) Go on cycling vacation in the mountains. Refrain from shaving or trimming despite pleas from the significant other. Things are getting wild at this point.
3) Return home and trim the neckline in preparation for a return to work. This takes me from slovenly to simply bearded and appeases the wife.
4) Keep the neckline clean while letting everything else grow for a couple more weeks. From there, trim to preferred length and enjoy less time shaving and some added warmth.