In May, everybody will be using the slope west of the switchbacks and cables, aka "the chute". You will need crampons and an ice axe to climb that safely. Snow shoes won't be necessary, since there will be a pretty-well packed track up that route. People go up that route using the crampons and ice axe with little experience, but it would be a good idea to try them out first.
If you're not comfortable using the ice equipment, it's probably not the best year to go.
Good luck.
