Because there comes a point when even hard black runs do not really challenge you. I got bored with skiing a few years ago because I could do everything on piste. Skiing off-piste is a completely new challenge, and there is nothing quite so satisfying as making beautiful tracks in fresh powder. I am now trying to improve my off-piste skiing and also just starting to do some ski touring, where you can get away from the masses completely and go and see some real mountains as they are supposed to be.

Having said that, I have no intention of killing myself, and have bought the necessary gear (ARVA, probe, shovel) and understand how to use it, and I've also been on several courses about avalanche safety. I know that I still have lots to learn from the real experts, so will continue to go with guides except in areas where I now understand that the risks are sufficiently low.

I know you are a cyclist, so let me compare skiing to cycling. Cycling on a wide flat road with no traffic is easy and safe, like skiing on-piste. As you get better, most cyclists will want to increase the challenge, so will start cycling up big mountains or cycling on busier roads where they can go faster or try racing or downhill mountain biking. For all these, the risk is much greater than just cycling slowly on a nice wide flat road, but it is more of a challenge, and as long as you accept and understand the risk, it is your choice. The same applies to skiing off-piste. If you ride or ski within your capabilities, then the increased risk will be acceptable to you, and your riding or skiing will be much more rewarding for it.