Hello, New to the forum.
I was very excited to have received confirmation of a date to climb whitney in May of this year...may 10th to be exact. However, while researching, I've come to find out this is quite early in the season. I am a very experienced hiker and I am confident I can handle the physical element of the hike, however I have never hiked in Snow, used cramp-ons or an ice axe. Should I assume the peak will be covered in snow the second week of May? Will it be possible to summit at this time without significant snow experience? Obviously this will be dependent on future storms (if any) but I also know there has been significant snow fall this year already...
I know we can't predict the future, but I would love anyone who has experience w/ hiking in May and/or are just familiar w/ the potential conditions I will be facing so I can prepare. If summiting is not an option, I'd like to prepare myself for that now!
thank you so much for the feedback.
best,
Brett