For many skiers and snowboarders, venturing off into the backcountry is the ultimate goal.

Carving down untouched powder faces, tackling towering spines and deep couloirs, getting away from the crowds on piste and hiking off into the distance are all part of the fun.

If you’ve never had any experience in the backcountry, we recommend that you go with a guide. It’s a good idea to be a fairly advanced skier or snowboarder before you book on.

Make sure you go on an avalanche awareness course before hand and always take your avalanche kit with you, including transceiver, probe and shovel.

So, where are the best places in the world to discover the backcountry? We’ve listed a few spots you need to visit before you die…