You can never be TOO safe.  The mountains are not a place to enter un-humbled.  The geography can reach up and grab you if you are not cautious.  When riding in the backcountry, there are a few layers of safety that need to be considered for an ultimate success.

1.  Equipment Safety

Is your gear in proper working order?  Are all of your base screws tight?  Are all zippers closed?  Are your binding straps fastened tight to the binding mounts?  Is your helmet still cracked from that tree you hit last week?  Is your cell phone or GPS in working order with a full bettery?  Is it turned off unless in use?

2.  Condition and Terrain Safety.

Is the snow where it needs to be for what you are about to do?  Is the weather forcast cooperating?  Has a plan been left somewhere in case you don't return? Is your planned line doable?  Really?   Are you sure?

3.  Team Safety.

You know your team well.   Each team member is well trained on use of equipment and area of operations.  Your buddy has checked your gear, and you have checked his/hers.  Your team is in good mental condition.  No one is under the influence of alcohol during operations.  All teams are oriented well to the task.  Radio gear is in proper working order.   Radio Communication is established among all radios.  The team is in 100% agreeance to the conditons and terrain.