However, don't underestimate the skill and awareness required for going into the backcountry. You will also need an avalanche transceiver and a local guide. It is also definitely worth getting the correct insurance because if something were to go wrong you may need to be helicoptered off the mountain.
When done correctly, and with a guide it is probably the most fun you can have on the mountain. The snow is powdery and light and you can get down much steeper slopes than you would be able to on-piste. Plus, there is the added bonus that if you do fall, the snow is so soft that it doesn't hurt and it is actually quite amusing, particularly for the people riding with you.
Europe has some amazing off-piste routes available at most of its resorts which rival those in Canada and the US. Three of the best areas are the Arlberg region of Austria including St Anton, Lechs and Zurs; Chamonix in France and Verbier in Switzerland.
Arlberg
Often quoted as one of the best areas in the world to ski and board off-piste, the Arlberg in Austria has seemingly endless amounts of backcountry riding. The die-hard ski and board community from around the world come here year on year because the terrain is challenging and diverse and the snow is deep and consistent.
Consisting of St Anton, Lech and Zurs, the Arlberg is a sprawling ski region so therefore you can find fresh tracks days after the last snow fall. The resorts now have marked off-piste areas, but to really explore this region it's best to hire a guide and ask him/her to take you to Langen forest for Narnia-like tree runs, Rendle bowls for creating perfect tracks and for the fearless head to Schindler or Valluga summits where you can really test your worth.
Chamonix
Popular with the British, Chamonix is one of France's best, and most well-known resorts and with good reason. The off-piste possibilities here are astounding; from the challenging and world-famous Vallee Blanche to the Pas de Chevre and areas on the Rognons Glacier, this beautiful resort on Mont Blanc will thrill even the most extreme and accomplished backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
The Vallee Blanche is a 20km route that takes in crevasses, cornices, and some pretty steep terrain. It starts at over 3000 metres and takes around four and a half hours. It is accessed by the Aiguille du Midi cable car, but then it requires a bit of a hike up the ridge. This is not one for beginners.
Verbier
Verbier is part of the Four Valleys region of Switzerland and therefore there are plenty of off-piste areas to get stuck into. Two popular routes are around the Col de Mines accessed from the Attelas lift or Col de Mouches, reached by traversing to the top of the Chassoure gondola. Both of these routes are of moderate steepness and easy to access, so they will get tracked out by locals and other powder hounds pretty early on, so get up early after fresh snowfall if you want to get first track. But nevertheless they are good fun and offer a variety of routes and terrain to try out. Plus you are never too far from civilization if problems do arise.