We present the first clearly resolved observations of surfaces of growing and ablating hexagonal ice crystals using variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy. The ice surface develops trans-prismatic strands, separated from one another by distances of 5–10 μm. The strands are present at a wide range of supersaturations, but are most pronounced at temperatures near the frost point. Pyramidal facets consistent with Miller-Bravais indices of 10<span style="border-top: 1px solid #000; color: #000;">1</span>1, and possibly also 20<span style="border-top: 1px solid #000; color: #000;">2</span>1, are associated with ice growth under these conditions. A molecular-dynamics model of a free-standing ice <i>I</i><sub>h</sub> nanocolumn containing 8400 water molecules does not develop trans-prismatic strands, suggesting these features originate at larger spatial or temporal scales. The possible relevance of these surface features to cirrus ice is discussed.