Rain, Mauna Kea, Skiing, and Altitude Sickness

[1voyager1]

As I think back over my prior trips up the mountain, I remember one thing that did help with the thin air.
Living near sea level I tend to breath quite shallowly.
When at altitude, if I concentrated on breathing more deeply, drawing more air in with each breath, the lightheadedness seemed to dissipate and not be so bothersome, and became "normal" after a while.
It helped when driving the length of the upper road, and during excursions to the top.

I agree that it would be purely for novelty.
It has probably been 8 years since the last time I used the skies.
My expertise is probably now little more than making bomb craters.

So, with little doubt, the local snow is wet and heavy and freezes up at night.
But, by afternoon it should soften and improve to simulate spring "ego" snow.
Right?

Are there any "bunny" areas that might make it easier to acclimate to using the gear again, and test my high altitude ability?
Then, my gear is freeheeled Telly gear.
I have no desire to lose a kneecap to a boulder.
Are there any areas without boulders or large rocks that could be skied?

Finally, I did not bring my studded winter tires, she won that argument, or chains, I only had one set anyway.
How does one monitor the opening of the road after a snow fall?









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