Very tough slog in up to 2 feet of new snow, especially on higher angled terrain. Trail was indistinct and hard to follow at times due to heavy drifting. It is now covered in foot deep holes so beware. Snowshoes up to our highpoint. Big honkin' snowshoes to move beyond that.
Ski poles very useful for balance and leverage on steep sections.
Crampons still very optional. Now that we've done most of the hard work, somebody please get their ass up to the summit of Giant before the next storm, so our efforts won't be in vain.