Did the Cottonwood pass to Whitney portal hike last week end.
Snow is not an issue at all until Guitar Lake (minor small patches).
Above Guitar Lake, the trail is partly covered with snow but navigation is easy so no problem if you hit the trail early enough (i.e. hard snow). There is 2 or 3 short snow fields to cross on the (western) switchbacks, and the top one still had an icy patch around 9 am. However, they can be crossed safely with just boots and treking poles, just be careful if traveling by night (we used our microspikes, but the rangers & PCTers had nothing).
From Trail Crest to the summit, see the other reports, there's just one snow field with lots of boots holes, no problem. The snow was slushy at 11 am.
We used the (eastern) switchbacks on the way down to Whitney Portal, they have a bit more snow than the west ones, and of course the snow will probably be soft by the time you reach it in the afternoon, so be careful. The dreaded cable section is actually easy (clear rock trail).
Everyone always speak about the switchbacks but we were actually surprised by the amount of snow between Trail Camp and Outpost Camp, so don't relax too soon !
Overall, great trip, and the mosquitos aren't too bad yet...
