Sorry to hear you didn't have the best day. We had good weather a fairly short distance away on Mt. Massive. I think the weather up high in the mountains is just really unpredictable. Regardless of the forecast, I always make sure to bring a pair of gloves, an extra layer, and a warm hat. I've been on summits in July both when it was extremely warm and when it was snowing. However, I would say that the cold weather is not the norm. Give it another shot and look for a day with low wind speeds. A lot of times the wind, or lack thereof, makes all the difference.

In looking at the pictures, it looks like you had the right gear. Some days the mountain just won't give up easily. Maybe you'll look back on today and think of it as ”Type II” fun.
http://www.backcountry.com/explore/type-ii-fun

I was up there on Thursday and your photos look like an entirely different season (I found warm, calm conditions and was comfortable in a tech tee and running shorts). Not surprising though, as you can find fresh snow on the peaks year round and conditions can vary wildly even on the same day. Though not typical, I have had some of my coldest and most miserable days on 14ers in the summer and conversely, have been comfortable on 14er summits in the Winter wearing just a baselayer, basking in the warm sunshine.

Having climbed 14ers and other peaks in the state for nearly 20 years, I have quickly learned that preparation and attitude/flexibility are key. Regardless of the forecast, I have learned to always pack more clothing/gear than I think I will need and assess once I arrive at the trailhead. Years of experience has helped me to become very good at packing the right things, but I STILL either end up carrying too much on occasion, or sometimes find myself a little too lightly dressed. Bottom line though, only use the forecast as a very general reference, as weather can vary wildly depending on time of day, valley to valley, peak to peak. There have been many days where the forecast looks daunting, yet it turned out to be a fine day and vice versa. It is all part of the experience (and fun in my opinion) of travelling in the mountains. I also recommend bringing a little more than you think you will need in your pack, warmer gloves, extra hat, warmer fleece, solid shell, etc... better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it I always say. Expect the worst and hope for the best, but most of all have fun with it and if it is too bad and/or you are under prepared, be willing to change plans or be creative (which it sounds like you were). Good luck!

First of all, I'm sorry about your experience! We actually started up about 8:45am, so we must have passed you on the trail. This was one of those days when ”Start early” was a bad idea -- the weather just got better and better throughout the day. We were on the summits between noon and 1pm, and it was pretty nice. Like you, I looked at the forecast and totally didn't expect snow in the AM.

All the comments above are right on target, I think. I'll only add that I'm hooked on mountains -- in part -- because they are unpredictable and uncontrollable. I love civilization and climate control, but I also crave the confrontation with Nature on her own territory -- where I can be truly surprised and challenged (e.g. by unexpected and unpredicted weather).

I've had a lot (well over 50% of 30+ climbs) of wonderful sunny experiences. And by picking your season and bailing at the TH on poor conditions, you can ensure 90% chance of great weather. BUT... there's always that residual 10% chance of freak weather, and you must be prepared for it. If hubby isn't willing to accept that risk, he shouldn't be there. But you can tell him that it's only 1 in 10, not 1 in 2.