I'm seeing some posts that refer to an alternate route that doesn't use the switchbacks - is that correct, and if so, what advice can you give us on using that route?
Thanks so much in advance!
Hi Andrew,
The "alternate" route I guess you are talking about is "the chute". This is the scree/talus field to the north (facing up the hill, to the right) of the switchbacks. This is only viable when the snow conditions are right. By June 16th it is very doubtful that there well be sufficient snow in the chute to be a viable route. The switchbacks may still have icy spots, so some care will need to be taken. One area in particular is the area where cables (think hand rail) have been installed. This is often the last place snow and ice are found on the switchbacks, and can be slippery.
Great - thank you! I'd planned on using the switchbacks so I wasn't really thinking of using the chute until I read that it might be required if the snow/ice made the switchbacks impassable. We'll keep an eye on conditions as the date approaches!
