My partner and I will be climbing up Friday May 31st and descending June 2nd. I have done Whitney both in dry and snow conditions. If this is your first time climbing in snow conditions without the experience of crampons, ice axe or snow alone, it may be unsafe but use your judgement and tenacity if you want to reach the summit.
Sierrahiker- I strongly recommend to look at youtube videos on using crampons, ice axe, and self arresting techniques. I will be taking the whitney chute above basecamp and it can be pretty intimidating. Last year a group of inexperienced climbers with all the necessary gear fell down the chute and I think one person had to get airlifted with serious injuries. There is a video somewhere on the forum where someone filmed one or two of them sliding down out of control.
There will also be other people on the trail so you are never alon. I will be fishing on the way up and way down so if you see me, say hello
. Goodluck!
