We're doing Starlight and Tbolt in a few weeks and I am deciding on which direction the traverse and ascents are least difficult. From Tbolt to Starlight or the reverse? I have summited Tbolt in the past. Also, does anyone have info on snow conditions for these summits. We did Russel and Williamson last week and found NO snow except a small patch on Shepards Pass. Thanks.

I’ve done it both directions, but it’s been a long time. I think I would prefer Thunderbolt to Starlight for that section. If I were doing all five 14ers, I would start with the Swiss Arete and climb up the chimney from the U Notch.

It'll go both ways but I'd prefer traversing from Thunderbolt to Starlight. Here's a photo gallery from last summer with a few pix of the route. This isn't a definitive gallery but it'll offer some idea of the terrain you'll encounter: Thunderbolt to Starlight.

A friend and I have been discussing doing this for a couple of years now. I'm curious as to why people prefer climbing it in one direction vs. another. I can see the argument of climbing the Swiss Arete first, since it's a nice route in and of itself, but that's about all I've heard.

How about Sun in your eyes as a reason ?

^^^
Hard men love to squint. How about some valid reasons.

Thanks for your responses and great pics. Since I have done Tbolt before, your answers have convinced me to traverse from Tbolt to Starlight. After Starlight I can decide to either traverse back to Tbolt and descend or descend via the Northwest Chute of Starlight.