Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board First timer Main Trail, Mid May Questions.

So I've made plans for my first trip to Whitney in mid May, and I didn't really do enough research before making said plans. Although I'm an experienced hiker and backpacker, most of that experience did not involve much snow and ice. I did summit San Gorgonio last month, so I have some winter skills but I'm certainly not an expert at snow travel. I'm looking for specific advice about this plan for the main trail in mid May of this year:
Day One - Trailhead to Trail Camp. Can I expect this section to be free of heavy snow and ice? Will the 'summer trail' be easy to find and follow?
Day Two - Trail Camp to as high as I feel safe. I understand the 99 switchbacks may be impassable and that most people ascend the snowfield to the right? How steep is it? Should I expect to use snowshoes and poles, crampons and axe, or will I likely need to switch between equipment throughout the day? Do I understand correctly that it's best to ascend as early in the day as possible? If I feel safe enough ascending this to Trail Crest, is the hard part over?
I route finding a major problem above Trail Camp? Is it likely I'll see the cables on the switchbacks?
In addition to my usual camping gear, I plan to bring snow shoes, poles, crampons, ice axe and helmet. Am I leaving out anything major?
Thanks for any advice. I'd also be grateful for any books or websites that might contain information specifically about spring conditions on the main trail.

No answers, but I'll be about 14 days ahead of you, and have the same questions.

Day One: Camp at the Portal if possible
Day Two: Unless it has dumped, there should be a good boot track all the way to Trail Camp. Slick in parts, but very doable. With a heavy pack, loaded with all the gear you will be carting along...Count on about 1 mile an hour.
I like to leave very early for both one day and multi day trips. Be prepared to put on and take off your crampons as needed (be conservetive)
Day Three: Count on heading up the snow field. If you hit it real early you will be rewarded with crisp snow for the kicking or most likely, craponing. All bets are off if it has dumped. (Then wallowing will be the call of the day.) Once at Trail Crest you really need to mind your footing. There will most likely be a boot track. This will be narrow and real slick in spots. With care, very doable. I really believe that patient confidence is the key. If things look sketchy to you,the mountain will always be there.
The way down will also be a test of patience. Think about EVERY foot placement. Use the same judgement with your gear as you did on the way up. You REALLY want to hit the snow field before the shadow does. Good snow vs slicker then s@#t ice.

One of my favorite spots on Gods Earth is Trail Camp. Spend the night if you can. The sunset after the day you had will be one of the best in your life. Just remember to eat and drink...No matter how tired you are.

As far as gear goes...Unless it has dumped, leave the snowshoes in the car. Poles, Axe, crampons and a good head on your sholders will lead to a great time. you have alot of time between to do more research.

I really enjoyed Crofts and Dougs books on Whitney. As far as web sites go, you have landed in the right place. Tear this site apart. Don't get to wound up. Every step up the trail will add to your knowlage base.

Oh yeah...Don't slide the snow field.

Tad