My friend and I lucked out and were able to get passes for Mt Whitney May 19 and 20th without using the lottery. At first I was super excited but then I started to wonder why the dates were not taken. I then realized that there is normally still quite a bit of snow the end of may. My friend and I are infantry Marines so were are used to long difficult hikes and we have both been avid outdoorsmen our whole lives, so the backpacking will not be a problem, I am only worried about the snow. I have several questions. First, I have read that ice axes and crampons are necessary is this true? Second, there is an REI class on mountaineering before the trip do you all think that it is necessary to take it. It covers ice axe and crampon use, rope team techniques, and self arrest. Any advice would be helpful.
