The west side issues are knowing when to change in and out of gear. In May 2007, we must have changed out 3 or 4 times between Trail Crest and the summit. I hate mixed conditions, you don't get a lot of traction on rock with 12 points of steel on both feet...not mention catching a point.
The descent issues are experience related. Basically, knowing when it is safe to glissade and when it is not. You cannot go on cruise control when descending in these conditions. If you cannot glissade, you will work almost as hard physically as you did ascending and harder mentally during your descent to Trail Camp.
Oh, postholing is no stinking fun.
