Why ski in crappy weather in the late springtime?

1. Because you don’t have to get up as early. Less sun means the snow/corn doesn’t bake as much, which means you have more time for your climb and descent(s), and can possibly ski all day in consistent conditions. “Cloud corn,” as some call it.

2. Because the mountains are at their moodiest and most atmospheric when they’re socked in. It feels real up there in the pea soup.

3. Because you’re not going to run into anybody else.

4. Because it’s good training, for future ski days in the murk.

5. Because, as long as everybody gets back to the bottom in one piece, you’re never going to end a day sorry you spent it in the mountains.

Pictures are of Rick Hunt and Hans Johnstone skiing Teewinot’s Crooked Thumb Couloir on May 14, 2008.