We had a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit in cloudy and foggy weather. Seven hours up and three down, with about 30 min at the top. Minor wind gusts, occasional sun breaks and lots of layer changes. First section to chocolate falls had partial snow cover but was done without traction until about 1/3 of the way up the rocky "worm flows". Crampons and micro spikes were used by our team for the steep, snowy ascent but could also have been done with snowshoes. Snow was mostly slushy, even at the top, as the weather remained above freezing all day. Ice ax recommended still due to occasional steep snowy descents and for general steering while glissading. Snow fields on the way down were plentiful and we were able to glissade down off and on nearly to chocolate falls. This will likely change fast but in the meantime well worth brining the rain pants / trash bag or even a "Scooty Booty", which apparently is a thing if you like glissading.
Overall a great trip despite the less than ideal conditions. We did have a thick fog come in while we were descending and nearly lost part of our group, almost heading down the wrong side of the ridge toward the "rockfall route". Just stay close and follow the chutes other hikers have made and make sure you see if any tracks veer off.
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