The chute is the most direct route up to Trail Crest. There were two inexperienced hikers who followed the switchbacks up -- picture in Current Conditions thread. But I think it just takes a lot longer in the snow and ice conditions.
There are videos linked on ice axe use in the Reference forum, first post. Watch them and decide. You should NOT glissade down the chute without an ice axe (ice axe is your braking device) OR while wearing crampons (broken leg can be the result.)
