Going to be in California for a work trip in March and was thinking about trying to get up Whitney, but had a few questions
1. How bad is the snow on the 99 switchbacks? aka will I even be able to go that route?
2. If I have to take the chute, I'll have an axe, helmet and spikes. What other essentials are there?
3. Where can I rent a bear canister/do I even need on that early in the season?
Thanks y'all!
Judging from the nature of the questions, please hire a guide and/or get more experience before trying this.
I couldn't agree more. The MR in the dead of winter is no joke and shouldn't be taken on without plenty of physical, mental, and technical prep. Also, I would never recommend doing the MR route alone unless you've done it dozens of times. Weather and conditions can change so quickly on the ridge you could be caught in a bad spot, and without a buddy the chances of survival drop.