Welcome mtnfrog,

Jeff went up the Main Trail. 95% of all winter climbs use the non-trail Mountaineers Route. Kurt Wedberg of SMI (Sierra Mountaineering) just got back from a trip where he led at least half a dozen clients up that route.

Check the Reference forum here -- in the "Important Links" you can find links to the MR. Study the route! Kurt uses ropes with his winter/spring clients, many private parties don't.

Here are his pictures from that trip.

Here's Kurt, wearing two packs: