Hiked the Mount Whitney Trail starting Sunday 2:30AM (5/28). It was a new experience hiking on snow for me. A few things I thought I'd share since it was my first time. It was a very sunny day, so your experience could be different.
1. Going up the chute past morning makes it much more slushy/difficult (e.g. past 9:30). I went up after 9:30. 2. Coming down the chute after mid afternoon makes it very icy (e.g. past 3:00 or 3:30). I came down way after 3:30. 3. Walking on snow takes a lot longer than you think. 4. Pick your paths deliberately. Since everything is covered in snow, it's difficult to see the actual trail, if not impossible. It is tempting to follow other people's tracks. Sometimes it works out, other times you walk an extra 30-60 minutes taking the long way.
I found this site useful in my planning, so wanted to try and contribute something back. Good luck everyone!
