Possible Clues:

• Leaving the mountain when there is less traffic
• Out of condition, almost sickly-looking - but not in the rush hour
• Disappointing projection when demand is low
• Out of condition spy broadcast at a less busy time
• Apres-ski, maybe when it's less expensive?
• Descending mountain when there are fewer fellow-travellers
• Outside of rush hour
• Non-rush-hour, say
• At a time when demand is less
• Reduced-price, most likely