Ive been reading quite a bit on here and a lot of other sources. But still had some questions.. maybe someone can help
This will be my partner's and mine first time trying to climb Whitney(sleeping at portal Friday, then sleeping at Trail Camp Saturday, wake up(3:30am) and summit and back down on Sunday). We have been hiking, and backpacking pretty regularly and feel semi ready physically for the trek. We've done some of the suggested Socal climbs to prep.
What I didnt really know; because I didnt do enough research is how much snow there's going to be on the weekend of June 2nd. Everything I have been reading up until this point has been about hitting the switch backs, and my biggest concern was about AMS.
But now there's this huge curve-ball in the mix and I have to prepare for lots of snow. My partner and I have zero mountaineering experience.
Some questions I have.
•It seems like not many people are taking the switchbacks at this time. Should we do the switchbacks or hit the chute?
•If doing the chute, we need crampons and and axe?
•does anyone climb the chute with microspikes?
•If we take the chute up, and then we take it down. I keep reading glissade is not recommended for first-timers. Can you walk down the chute?
•If we slide on our butts with an axe down a portion of it, don't you destroy your pants?
•My layering system, does not include any snow gear. well because I have none.(accept for snowboarding gloves) Do I need special pants for the chute?
Thanks for any help!
Last edited by work765; 05/23/18 09:23 AM.
