There is a period of time, when the snow has accumulated, but has not consolidated, when going up the main trail is just a slog, even with snowshoes. Until they melt out, the switchbacks are not really usable, they are filled with ice. So, one has to go up the snow slope, which until it consolidates, can be a chest high slog. Basically this is not a trip that anyone would define as remotely fun. It would take many days to do. So, there is often a month or three when no one goes up. Because it is about twice as steep (on average), and much of it south facing, the MR consolidates faster, so it a better route.
