Interesting comments about the snow on Flat Top. I climbed it on June 10 and there was still quite a bit of snow. I guess I hiked through at least 7 snow fields. No special equipment or shoes -- and I fell on my keister probably 7 times too! But I didn't see anyone else with any special equipment either.
Maybe you didn't even notice the katoohlas?
In early April I took my boys (14 and 15) up Flat Top on a training hike. I really did not expect to make it to the summit but wanted to teach them kickstepping and self arrest with ice axe. The idea was to get them used to the skills to do bigger hikes in the future. Well one they wore snow boots instead of hiking shoes which made kick-stepping very difficult. They both managed well. Toward the summit where it gets very steep and the rocks are not showing in the deep snow it is particularly difficult. I gave my oldest son the katoohlas and he made it the final several hundred feet to the top. My youngest son nearly made it to top 3 TIMES, sliding back 100 feet or so each attempt. It was safe because the snow was so deep and soft and it would be difficult to get hurt. But he was becoming exasperated. I finally got behind him with my ice and provided a backstop for him to make the summit.
So the payoff is jumping right off the summit straight down into the long glissade. I told each boy the importance of not tumbling in order to avoid breaking a limb or separating shoulder. The oldest went down no problem. The youngest went next and seemed to roll, tumble, somersault the entire chute. I watched from atop and saw him give me a wave knowing he was okay. It happened to be his 14th birthday.
I was next and off I went. The snow flew into my face as I slid and I sort of began to choke on the powder snow coughing as I finished.
Here is the chute. You can't see over the edge.
On our way up. You stay to the right of the rocks and it is very steep but safe.
