The heat is on.

Despite the fact that it was nearly 70 degrees when we left Boulder for the weekend, pulling ourselves away from a blissful weekend of warm rock climbing and casual Front Range activity, I made the trip to Ouray with my boyfriend for three days of ice climbing. We had made up our minds several weekends prior to save this weekend explicitly for cold, wintry ice of the San Juans.

Though we shouldn’t have been surprised, we were met with wet, dripping lines of ice that were quickly going out of style. The objectives that we had intended to do were reduced to a slushy mixture that I wouldn’t rest a paperweight on, let alone hang my entire body from or touch with an ice tool.

We decided the better thing to do would be to go to the Ice Park, an outdoor Ouray establishment with man-made ice routes. It’s not exactly the same feeling as the slog of a long approach and marveling at the beauty of the wilderness, but it did require a fair amount of braving elements, had beautiful scenery and resulted in a return home, exhausted from the day’s adventure.

What was painstakingly clear this weekend (with bruises to show for it) is that it is always worth it to plan ahead and prepare. This time of year, the transition from winter to spring, can bring with it many unstable conditions in our playgrounds – man made or natural. Rising temperatures bring to light the hazards of melting ice, falling rock and slippery mud. Regardless of your activity, this means paying a little extra attention before you go outside to play, and during. Bring an extra layer, pair of gloves and socks, and wear good shoes for wet and muddy conditions. Pay extra attention to unstable conditions in the rock, ice or other formations, and if you feel uncomfortable proceeding further – don’t, unless you trust yourself and your partner to handle the consequences.

It’s an amazing time of year to be outside – whether you’re excited to finally be trail running, or loving skiing in above freezing temperatures. Enjoy the window.