Women who want to have freezing, tired, exhilarating fun this winter can try ice climbing with Chicks with Picks. The amusingly named outdoor outfitter runs climbs in North Conway, New Hampshire and Ouray, Colorado. Both promise girly camaraderie and “kick axe” climbing.

Since my collegiate stint at the Womyn’s Center, I haven’t been big on single-gender gatherings. But with such a high-adrenaline activity (which my über-sporty friend calls “the hardest thing” she’s ever done), I like the idea of keeping it relatively low-testosterone––and low Here-little-lady-let-me-show-you-how. And the Chicks’ website is refreshingly sassy.

It also sounds gorgeous. At the Colorado location, 8000 feet above sea level, you walk to a “farmed” ice park for a long day of learning ice-related skills and putting them to use. Then you're off to dip your aches into hot tubs at the hotel or nearby hot springs. East Coast sister Chicks will hike you into New Hampshire’s White Mountains for a cascade of naturally frozen water to play on. They compensate for the lack of hot, burbling water with a fire and snacks at the quaintly named Cranmore Inn.

No matter which adventure you take, there’s no need to have any prior experience––just some good upper body strength. Prices include lodging, meals, classes, workshops, demo gear, and a T-shirt.

If this all sounds too terribly cold, you can look forward to sister-bonding adventures this coming summer at Mind Over Mountains, a Colorado-based center that “offers adventurous retreats for women who want to challenge and nurture themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Those include yoga, hiking, rock climbing, massage, and life-coaching.

Photo: Chicks with Picks