Last week, I was skiing Aspen Highlands in a fog so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. While fog is unusual at higher elevations, what can be found are low clouds and blinding snow when a storm moves in.

The paradox is this is when the snow is the best but, because visibility is so poor, you have the mountain virtually to yourself. This was the case last week with just a few hardy souls out on the mountain. Great skiing, fresh tracks, no crowds. Of course, when you can't see, it isn't much fun. What do you do if you find yourself in that situation?

Ski lower on the mountain

When the clouds are this thick, not only can you not see, but sometimes you can't tell which way is up (or down or sideways). This is more common at the top because of the altitude of our peaks. If possible, make your way down the mountain and ski the lower trails. At many ski areas that offer high-alpine exposure with open bowls or above-timberline skiing, there can be colored bamboo or fluorescent markers to help guide you down a safe way. This is not always the case, though. Many times, in low visibility conditions, you are on your own.

Find the trees

If you are above timberline (think of A-Basin or Loveland) or in the bowls (Vail, Copper, Winter Park, Snowmass or Highlands) in foggy conditions, you'll be skiing by feel. The best advice with zero visibility is find the trees. Even scrub brush or exposed tundra higher up will provide a visual point of reference. Once lower, the trees can provide some depth perception in even the harshest conditions and will allow you to navigate your way downhill. Even when visibility was down to 150 feet, keeping an eye on the trees helps.

Use the right goggles

All goggles are not created equal. In low light, flat light, whiteout or blinding conditions, your goggles are vital to negotiating your way downhill safely. Ski goggles are made not just to protect the eyes but also to enhance your perception on the snow. With a curved lens, the light bends as it passes through and distorts what you see. Tapered lens technology contours the thickness of the lens so that light travels through without distortion. What you see is what you get. Go with name brand goggles such as Smith, Carrera, Scott, Oakley or Bolle. There is a wide variety of lens tints to enhance vision in low or flat light conditions. Ask a ski rep or a technician what the differences are to determine which might be right for you.

Craig McNeil is a certified Primary Movements instructor. To order his book, How to Ski the Blues and Blacks without Getting Black and Blue, or contact him, go to his Web site, www.HowToSki.net. Photos taken at Aspen Resorts.