Steep route that was just a tough going down as up, given snow conditions. There was already a boot path from earlier folks who had broken trail that seems to generally follow the summer route.
I would highly recommend traction devices (microspikes at least), ice axe (know how to use) and poles. We all brought snow shoes--didn't use them but you don't know if you'll need until you're en route. One person in our party also had crampons and there were definitely areas near the summit where the rest of us would have felt more secure with more purchase than the microspikes could provide. Think a few inches of light snow on top of a layer of ice on steep slopes. There were a few places where we used ice axe self belay to back down a few steps on exposed "no fall" zones since the snow had become very soft in the sun. Once we got down into the woods, the snow was harder and microspikes were fine.
Payoff was spectacular views.
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