I am adding a multifunction and "collapsible" or perhaps reconfigurable Ti spear/kayak paddle (with detachable carbon fiber paddles that will be designed to double for snow shoe webbing)/walking stick, tent poles?.
I am really thinking speed is the key to survival.
The Donner party had two men that were able to walk out of Donner pass (not named that at the time
) in an attempt to get rescue from the California side. This tells me that a motivated, well trained and prepared individual could make it even in winter.