OB, They DEFINITELY did not shut down in that picture. The camera shutter speed was fast enough to stop the M/R blades, but the T/R is still spinning.
I mentioned that I wouldn't have shut down ON the ridge in any situation, due to snow conditions.
PP#1, sitting the bear paws or skids on top of the ridge (at 90 degrees) may leave the pilot way out in space, but gives the crew the best egress....shouldn't be a problem. I use the skid or bearbpaw balance most times, just rotate your head right for reference to the ridge if you can't see anything below.
I agree that a landing parallel to the ridge may cause some hard times on them during loading and unloading.
I would expect the "Thong" is a climbing harness over light colored trousers ...if not...
