Winter - what to do with fish

I have to deside what to do with the fish this winter.

Leave them in the pond, its deep enough, but I have to go out and make sure
a hole is always open, I cover the pond and snow covers the cover, but even
then the ice will close in as winter progress.
I do have an air line and will buy a heater, but I still would check in to
make sure everything is alright, it can be a pain to check on whats
happening on the inside after the snow has covered it up.

OR

I have a childrens sand box which I could put in the garage along with the
airline and heater, it still gets cold in the garage, but it will be warmer
inside the garage then outside and alot easier to look after the fish, I
have a door from the house to the garage.

The fish range from 3 inch to 8 inches, I have 17 in all.

Do I leave the fish outside or bring them in, how will this affect the
fish?

Do I need light for them in the garage as it is dark, the door is opened
from time to time as I still use it.

in or out ?

Joel.