If you notice in the left corner of the photo, you see a wooden stake with an orange flag. Those stakes are set out on a good flying day (day with sun and/or some definition) - usually 2-3 stakes are put in, which you focus on when landing. You need them when it is overcast and flat light or else you cannot land. On this peak, there are two sets of stakes, one where the machine landed and another to its left. The marks in front of the helicopter are wind-swept snow. In fact, the area in front is a large cornice which then drops off for a couple of thousand feet below. You have to asses the cornice prior to landing and ensure that you land well back in case in breaks off. The skiers departed the other way down the mountain! When you land, skiers and guide exit, then you depart.