Often times climbing in the winter is the safest time to do so. On a mountain like St. Halens where the rocks have only been in place for 30 years you are much safer when those rocks are frozen in place. Of course your margin for error is much less during the winter. Then there is the practical aspect of climbing in winter. That mountain is a dust bowl and hiking/climbing in heat and dust is about the most miserable thing a human can endure. It is also much funner to ski home then hike home!!!

For those who don't understand climbing in winter just remember the vast majority of people don't understand why you would fish in winter! Steelheaders, of course, know that can be the very best time to do so. Most mountaineers also understand this.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like this guy survived the night

edit: 30 years not 20 years. Damn seems just like yesterday.