Ed Palen, of the Rock and River Guide Service in Keene, New York, says beginners should slowly work their way toward ice climbing. "Rock climbing in gyms is a good first step," he says. "Start with hiking in the mountains. Work your way up to rock climbing and then ice." Novices to ice climbing should use a guide service to learn basic skills, such as using crampons, belaying, rappelling and other techniques. Beginner climbing courses range from a weekend in the mountains to an hour in your local gym.

Palen says snowshoeing and hiking also can help prepare you for ice climbing. He says 95 percent of climbing strength comes from your lower body. "Leg strength and finger strength are very important to climbing." He also recommends upper body workouts. "Hand and wrist, and forearm strength is very important. Squeezing a rubber ball can help to build up those muscles." Will Mayo, an avid ice climber from Vermont, recommends any cardio exercise to prepare for your climb. "I like to do one arm lock-offs against a chair to build up my upper body. Running and swimming also help."

The most important aspect to ice climbing is safety gear. "The gear protects you and stops you from dying," says Mayo. "Climbers are more likely to get hurt or die when they are in the beginning stages. As they become more competent, they are less likely to die from a so-called pilot error. They're more likely to get hurt in avalanches or rappel failure. Never forget that you're 100 percent at the mercy of your equipment."

As we all know, ice is frozen water and weather changes can affect its shape and stability. Starting early in the day is another key to safe ice climbing. "Ice is the best and the safest in the coldest part of the day," says Mayo. "Alpine starts are very important to ensure safety." Alpine start is climbing lingo for "really, really early," as in being ready to go, with all your gear, before the sun comes up. "You have to be aware of which way your climb faces because the sun is the issue. Sun, even below freezing, affects ice." Ice can subside from the rock face without really melting. The ice sublimates, meaning it almost becomes a vapor and then refreezes in a different form.

Ice climbing is not for everyone, but if you're feeling adventurous, it's a great way to enjoy a healthy winter workout and experience nature's majesty.

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