Decided to give Whitney a go this past weekend. I started up the main trail at 0345 and was back to my truck at 1630. Patchy snow from 9600' to 11,000'. From there (just above Mirror Lake) it was consistent snow to the summit.
I stayed the course of the summer trail to trail camp on the way up and took the the snowy route back to Trailside Meadow on the way down. From Trail Camp I went up the chute to Trail Crest. As far as I know, nobody took the 99 switchbacks, too much ice at the cable section. I started up the chute at 0715 and it was nice and firm, coming down was soft and post holy.
There is a nice boot track to the summit. No snow shoes required, but crampons and ice axe are a must (there were a few people up there without either, taking a mighty risk in my opionion).
Here are some photos:
Above Trailside Meadow
Trail Camp (Campsites all had snow in them, bring a shovel)
View From Trail Camp
The Chute From Trail Camp To Trail Crest
Million Dollar View From Trail Crest
Mt. Brewer and Friends
Iceberg Lake
Looking South From the Summit
On the summit for the 24th time
Good View Of The Switchbacks and Chute
