IdEaMaNi - I didn't see anyone taking the switchbacks route. The people I encountered on the trail (Rick and the two other gentlemen) took the chute. There were a set of footprints headed towards the switchbacks from Trail Camp though but I'm not sure of its condition this time of the year. My policy in general was to take the more heavily treaded path and there were more marks along the chute for sure.
If you are not experienced with ice axe usage, as Steve suggested, you can look up videos online beforehand. Then once you get to Outpost or Trail camp in the evening, you can practice self-arrest on a nearby slope several times. That should give you the confidence for the chute.
