Instructing in Western New York the only way to fly in the winter is to go in the clouds when its below freezing. Just be smart about it and you'll be ok. If there are a lot of PIREPS for icing stay on the ground but if there aren't any then go up and see if you get any ice. I usually just file to an initial approach fix for an approach at our airport and shoot a couple approaches there. That way if you pick up ice you can just call it quits after one. Just make sure you always leave yourself an out.