The SW Slopes of Mt. Massive are holding snow from 11,600 ft. all the way to the summit. A snowboard/ski descent off the summit is possible. I crossed over from the East Slopes bowl to the SW Slopes on foot, only to avoid the various rocks poking through at/near the top of the saddle.
What you need if you are going:
Crampons - Yes, I used them for the entire climb while on snow to the summit.
Microspikes - Suggested, as I used them from 11,100 ft. till 11,600 ft., then switched to crampons. Snow covers most of the rocks/trail after the sign junction, when you start climbing up the bench.
Snow Shoes - YES! In the trees, specifically between 11,100 ft. and 10,900 ft., the snow was deep, and the consistency was that of a Slurpee. Post holing in the afternoon was an issue.
I used trekking poles all the way up to the summit, and then carried my ice axe with me during the ride down the SW Slopes.
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