Staff decide on the trail, based on the weather and the whole group’s safety. If storms are building, the group can’t keep a safe pace, or someone shows signs of altitude sickness, they’ll turn around, even close to the top. Lightning is a real danger above tree line, and the hike from the summit back along the ridge to tree line is long and exposed. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even fit, well-prepared hikers, so training helps but can’t guarantee a summit. Every trip runs with an emergency action plan. Turning back is the right call when conditions demand it, not a failure.