Snow

Using your gap-year abroad to coach, volunteer or just enjoy your favourite sport can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time.

Instructor courses are an excellent way to gain some tangible qualifications, make some life-long friends and take your winter sports skills to a level you may have previously never thought possible. Many course organisers, particularly for ski instructors, will also help their graduates to find a job.

There are a huge choice of courses that vary in sport, length, aim and cost, catering for both younger gappers and those interested in recharging their batteries on a career break.

We're told that winter sports courses are proving increasingly popular with gappers and career breakers, who want to return for work or study fitter, healthier and invigorated, significantly affecting your work – in a good way.

And don't forget to think further afield - winter sports doesn't have to be in European resorts. Don't forget there are loads of resorts in the USA and Canada, even in the foothills of the Himalayas.