From reading the article it didn't say that he was doing anything out of the ordinary other than going up to the ski resort with some friends to do some snow boarding. Sounds like he just lost sight of his freinds (who apparently ditched him?), had a bad fall and was unable to call for help. It didn't say that he was out of bounds of the resort or in an area where he shouldn't have been.
Yes he was very lucky to have survived, but did I miss something that indicated he was doing something wrong? Other than not carrying a better noise making device and not having very aware friends? Don't most people that go skiing/snowboarding run a similar risk? You don't have to be on an extreme run to have an accident. Not sure where the "brain fog" remark applies? He came out alive so I call that a success.
Although I take plenty of gear when I'm out hiking I've never taken enough gear with me while skiing at a resort to easily survive the night. I do carry a whistle on me at all times just for this type of situation. Cell coverage just can't be counted on around here once you leave the city limits to call for help. I recently purchased a PLB so I guess maybe I'll start carrying that on the slopes.
I'd be curious to hear what other people carry while skiing/snowboarding to mitigate an accident like this? I just can't imagine skiing with a full survival pack on. Do others worry about this situation while skiing at a resort?