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You're right of course to take maximum precautions, but (and I could well be wrong here) I doubt many people would dig a proper pit before dropping into a line that was already tracked. obviously this video proves that just because something is tracked, doesn't mean it won't slide, but bear in mind this isn't what you guys call 'backcountry'. there is no such distinction in europe. also this is verbier- for better or worse (in this case worse), if you went round digging a pit before dropping in on every line, you'd never have any pow to ski, because it gets tracked so fast there. for the most part you have to balance risk and reward, take appropriate predcautions where possible, and use your better judgement.
Anyway, a simple ski cut could well have prevented this, which goes to show that having the knowledge to prevent being caught in a slide is just as important as having the equipment to dig your buddy out if he does get caught. BOTH OF THESE are essential and I would stress to anyone looking to get into BC...
YOU CAN NEVER KNOW ENOUGH! HAVE FUN!!