I'm struggling with how to begin my story, some advice?

If you're considering publication you need to start with a hook. Most agents want that hook to be the first sentence, certainly within the first two. Icy cold wind and tree bark are not a hook. "It was by chance that I found him here by the water. I decided one day that I wanted to see the lake at dusk and there he was, waiting," would be the better hook because it raises questions immediately: who, and why? Truly, if you want to get the best idea on how to write visit the blogs of literary agents. They tend to list their pet peeves and sometimes have really good advice for aspiring writers. The "Ms. Snark" blog was an excellent source of information but she has quite writing. Her blog is still there though, and if you've never read any of it you can still access the info.