The 97 Switchbacks being used does not mean you can go up the trail without traction devices.
When the trail has been beaten in, it usually mean people will have Microspikes or less than equal on their footsies and a trekking pole in each hand. This is usually sufficient.
However, trekking poles do not replace an ice axe for glissading down the chute. Something that some have attempted in the past with disastrous results.
