Pretty basic failure on the pilot's part to overlook whether or not the passenger is strapped in. Assuming that was a paid for flight from a commercial guy, I'd expect the SHV/FSVL safety bods to be inviting that chap for a chat sometime soon. I also concur the pilot should have stuck it into the hill as a matter of urgency. Alpine conditions are generally windless in the mornings, it should have been possible to do it without huge ground speed & the video shows a few possible slope landings just after take off.
Also, nice fly on the wall there Nev. Brings a warm fuzzy feeling seeing a glandhider sink out at the Dyke.
