Ultimate Ski Expeditions, Inc. provides just what the name implies: an opportunity for top-notch skiers to have the run of their lives. The company takes groups by helicopter to peaks of virgin snow and treacherous terrain. The small company has been tenuously established for two seasons when Mike joins as a field guide; Mike's primary job is to ensure the safety of the skiers.

Mike likes his boss, Charlie Masterson, but often feels sorry for him. As owner of the company and its official manager, Charlie has too much riding on each expedition. Insurance costs for such an operation are exorbitant, and since each participant has to pay thousands of dollars, it is always difficult to book a party fully and cover all expenses.

One February morning, after a spell of bad weather and a consequent lack of expeditions, Mike is slated to accompany a group down Proud Peak, an hour away by helicopter. This morning's trip means everything to Charlie and Ultimate Ski Expeditions. There is every indication that a successful trip will keep the company afloat, but any mishaps could mean the end of the business Charlie has worked so hard to create.

The sky that morning is a clear, bright blue. There is little wind; conditions are perfectly safe to board the helicopter and land at the top of the mountain. Mike awakens with an uneasy feeling about the outing, however, that he cannot shake off.

Although Mike is trained in every aspect of skiing and feels confident about his ability to manage any challenge, there are some factors out of anyone's control. Part of Mike's job is to check conditions and decide whether or not it is safe to ski a slope. In his backpack, Mike carries gear used to test the snowpack and determine if avalanche conditions prevail. Proud Peak has accumulated many inches of snow in recent blizzards, and no one has been near the ski slope recently.

As the helicopter approaches the mountain, Charlie waxes poetic about the experience each skier is about to undergo. The plan is for the skiers and Mike to disembark by towrope and ski the mountain, while Charlie and the pilot monitor the activity from aloft.

The eight skiers are let down at the top of the mountain. Mike removes his testing gear and sets to work. After considering his data for a moment, Mike repeats the operation. In the helicopter above, Charlie sits watching, his walkie-talkie held at the ready. Mike looks at his second batch of results. They indicate skiing the slope is a gamble. The conditions are right on the edge of "avalanche."  With luck, the group can ski safely. Mike knows plenty of skiers have skied through similar conditions with no harm at all. But if the snow shifts and begins to slide, Mike also knows there is a chance no one will get off the mountain alive.

As if from far away, Charlie's voice reaches Mike over the walkie-talkie. His tone is forced and bright.

"So, Mike! It looks like a perfect day for a perfect run! Let's hear the go-ahead and get these people on their way!"

Should Mike give the go-ahead, or play it safe?

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