What's your opinion on hiking Whitney after this storm with a few people in the group with no experience in hiking in the snow and 1 person with no hiking experience
As long as you do not have any expectation of reaching the summit you should be OK. In other words, when/if you reach trail camp, and start up the chute, do not expect all hikers to get to trail crest, much less to the summit.
If you stay together as a group, this means the chute should be the limit of your travel. Going up the chute without ice axe, crampons, and self arrest skills is not advised.
Wait for another 4 to 6 weeks, and all might reach the summit. Even then it will be a test.
