What an awesome combination - skiing, socialising and some cultural experience. This trip seems to have a little bit of everything and that's why we like it so much. Hakuba village hosted many events during the 1998 Winter Olympics and gets up to 13m of powdery snow each winter so it's safe to say that we're quite keen to try the Japanese Alps this year.

For the car lovers amongst you, we reckon this would be quite a treat. With Gotham Dream Cars you can experience the almighty thrill of driving 6 exotic sports cars in 1 day. And you get this pounding adrenal rush for less than the price of hiring one of them for one day. Delicious.

If you're looking for something unusual to do over the weekend, or you're feeling energetic during the week, we reckon this introduction to aerial skills would be a pretty awesome thing to tell your buddies about the next day! Why not drop in and take off?

No matter who you ask (unless they're lying), New York is the birthplace of Hip Hop. And what better way to see where it all began than to tour the 5 boroughs with many of the Genre’s founding fathers, including Kurtis Blow, DJ Kool Herc and Raheim. Definitely one for die hard hip hop heads.

We love the idea of running a flash clinic. It's a great way for enthusiastic amateurs and young professionals to learn from someone who has been doing it for years. And looking at the photography on the listing, we reckon the course looks like it produces great results!

For all the chocoholics out there - this is THE tour for you. Taste, smell and breathe chocolate as you’re guided through the streets of London’s best chocolate shops and stops by a true chocolate enthusiast. Who can resist?

With drinks being extraordinarily expensive in London, it’s time to learn how to mix your own cocktail and save some pounds. With this mixology cocktail course you will be able to experiment with tastes and flavours of drinks and food and become a better skilled bartender than Tom Cruise ever was.

We can’t wait to spray the Ooh tag on a concrete wall with Andy Seize instructing us how to perfect our graffiti style. With Banksy in mind, we’re aiming high.

Being fans of the quirky and unique, this walking tour was bound to be a favourite of ours. Add learning about London from an insider who knows all about the capital’s unknown stories and secrets and you’ve got a winning concept.

The crafty crew at the Papered Parlour offers cool classes for anyone wanting to channel some creativity. This screen-print your own bag workshop will make your mates green with envy when they see your new tailormade tote swinging off your shoulder.

Unleash your inner foodie and tour Portobello Market with Enrica Rocca. We love this combination of cooking, shopping and strolling around the cool neighbourhood of Notting Hill.

We've already mentioned that Winter 09/10 is going to see a real explosion in people wanting to venture off-piste for the drama of untouched powder and empty valleys, but backcountry or offpiste skiing carries some serious associated risk. Avalanches are regular and hard to anticipate. This local course in Boulder would make the ideal introduction to the safety considerations of backcountry skiing.

"MUSH!" We reckon this dogsledding tour would make a fantastic winter trip - the cold clear air, the steaming breath, the yelping excitement from the husky team and the crunch of fresh powder under your sled-rails. What a way to spend a weekend! And that's all before you get to unwind at the luxurious traditional Swedish base camp!

We've seen some fantastic listings from the Chamonix Experience team on Ooh.com, but this is one of our favourites. Something a little different, which would make a great 2 day addition to a ski trip to Chamonix this year. Learning to ice climb is a thrilling, tough and technical approach to spending time in the mountains; this course would make a great inroad for beginners to try this fantastic sport.

Ski touring is another of the diverse ways of experiencing the beauty of the mountains and the pleasure of ski or snowboard descent. Typically ski touring is a little more involved than the regular chairlift/descent routine, with your guide picking a route for you to "skin", or ski uphill, up a route before making your off-piste descent. For curious newcomers to the ski touring world, we think this 8 day introduction based in Chamonix is an awesome way to try it out - but get booking, places will go quickly on this one!

While we've been digging around for cool winter stuff to do, the season has rolled in and Winter, for those of us in the Northern hemi-sphere now seems to have a firm grip on us. Which is why we're recommend preparing for anything the weather might throw at you with this innovative Igloo building and reindeer tour. We're delighted that the guys from Solberget Wilderness Retreat decided to list this tour on Ooh.com - it's original, fresh and it sounds like you'd learn some useful stuff along the way.

The global obsession with untouched powder, clear mountain air and the sublime vacancy of mountain landscapes devoid of human life has been brewing for some time now, but this winter, back-country (off-piste) skiing is going to explode. So where better to get to grips with proper free-skiing than Kashmir, India. The Gulmarg resort offers a dazzling range of slopes starting out from the highest chairlift on earth. Yep, the absolute highest. Top that with snowfalls that would bury cities, and monkeys that throw snowballs and you're in for a totally unmissable ski vacation.

After the massive success of Slumdog Millionaire Bollywood dancing is on everyone’s lips. That's why we're turning to Dhoonya Dance's professional instructors to teach us all the best moves. For the good price of $20 per class, it's a no-brainer.

Escape the LA smog for the vineyards of Temecula wine country. A hot air balloon ride overlooking local wineries in the sunrise sounds fantastic and the Champagne breakfast that rounds off the trip must be quite lovely too.

Use the human body as a canvas and turn it into an artwork at this cool and creative makeup class. We like how you can dabble with glitter, learn sponge and brush techniques and at the end of the course become a certified body artist!

What’s not to love about this original and energetic dance class at Foresight Studios? Spandex, 80’s music and headbands -it’s so retro and so right.

Wholesome, nutritional and inexpensive, this ‘Cheap eats’ cookery course will teach you how to cook on a tight budget without sacrificing quality. We applaud chef Linda Hoffman’s sensible and clever attitude to cooking.

We’ve caved in to the current vampire craze and are completely fascinated by the spine chilling tales that are narrated on this night tour of New Orleans. It’s the perfect walk if you want some suspense in your life.

With a 1200 horsepower fan system this is awesomeness personified. Sky Venture Colorado is the world leader in vertical wind tunnels and on this crash course you’ll experience 4 minutes in total of free falling flying time.

Straw bale building, plaster techniques and fun socialising activities; this sustainable building week will not disappoint if you’re looking to learn more about building green. A topical course like this certainly deserves a spot in our Hall of Fame.

If you’re keen to escape the bustle of the city and go back to basics, we would highly recommend this nature awareness course. What Chris Park doesn’t know about nature is not worth knowing; so a day at Westmill Farm learning about natural crafts and skills, is a day very well spent indeed.

Sustainable eco-tourism at its best. This retreat at a fantastic eco-lodge caught our eye for its great combination of yoga, healthy food and most importantly, its sensible approach to green travelling.

We’re very impressed by Dick Strawbridge’s sustainability course that sets an excellent example to sustainable living. At his home at Newhouse Farm you’ll learn about energy saving systems and permaculture and find inspiration to a more sustainable way of life.

We're always on the lookout for sustainability courses and we really love this no-dig gardening course, taught by Charles Dowding. With advice, tips and tricks, Charles will teach you everything worth knowing about organic gardening. Dig that!

If you’re passionate about Italian food this is a trip not to be missed. For seven days you’ll be immersed in Mediterranean cooking, making pizza, fresh pasta and sipping Prosecco. Throw in some Amalfi sightseeing and this is an unbeatable experience.

We can’t get enough of make-your-own-food classes, so this butchery course at Empire Farm was sure to catch our attention. That you can get creative and invent your own sausage recipe is another great perk with this hands-on course too.

It feels totally right to hone your homesteading skills and learn how to bake your own bread. Master baker Paul Merry will impart his expert knowledge and with English rolls, dough cakes and cottage loafs on the agenda there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This food trip really has it all: gourmet food, fine wines, the unique experience to go truffle hunting and a stay in a 19th century converted barn. We’re sold!

Thrifty stitching in no time –what an ideal combination! This crafty half-day course for the bargain price of £45 will make you discover how fun and rewarding it is to sew, and you will never have to worry about those holey jeans or the dusty, unused sewing machine in the corner again.

A great Indian cookery course that doesn’t cost the earth. Taking place in the friendly kitchen of chef Renuka Patel you’ll learn to cook the perfect saag aloo, chicken curry and chappatis. We’re convinced you’ll never feel the need to go to your local Indian again.

Cheap, cool and unusual, this medieval sword fighting class ticks all the right boxes for us. With A Knight’s Tale and the moves of Heath Ledger in mind, we can’t help wanting to have a go at this impressive 14th century martial art form.

We really dig this latest extreme sport, a combination between snowboard and skateboard, and would love getting expert tuition by the friendly people over at Priory Farm. Feeling the adrenaline pumping as you roll down the hill on a mountain board sounds like the perfect day outing.

Not sure what to do this Wednesday? We would recommend heading to Charlotte Street Blues and try blues dancing. Rumours say these dance nights are great fun and that your slides and dips moves never have looked better after an intense hour of tutoring.

Next time the fridge is empty, and the wallet is too, we’ll turn to “Wildman” Steve Brill for a food forage walk in Central Park. Smell the gingko biloba, taste the persimmon and nibble on nuts while Steve, with his extensive knowledge of edible and medicinal wild plants, guides you through the urban park’s tasty trails.

Forget about the pre-packed and preposterously expensive veg in your local supermarket. This organic vegetable course will give you all the handy tips on how to start your own kitchen garden. Add a sustainable no dig philosophy and we’re ready to get our hands dirty and start digging!

We really like this upholstery course as it’s the perfect way of renewing your home without having to splurge on brand new furniture. Rest assured that Rachel and Stuart Bottomley, the knowledgeable couple who run this weekend course, will show you all the essential tips and tricks of the trade.

What better way to save money than to tailor your own clothes? For the bargain price of £75 you’ll learn to cut, make and fit a pair of trousers to your own measurement. Now that’s a seriously good investment.

For those of you keen to try something educational and those unable to let go of the feastive season too readily, why not try brushing up your wine tasting skills. Whether its Bordeaux, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir on the menu this impressive 6 week class introduces the wines of the world in great depth. Santé!

Try something unusual this year and have a go at free-diving. We think this 3 day course in the Bahamas looks absolutely amazing and you’re sure to impress colleagues and friends when you tell them you’ve been taught by a world record holder in the deepest Blue Hole in the world!

Sailing a 65-year old gaff-cutter yacht from island to island along the unspoilt beauty of the West Highlands sounds like utter heaven. Throw in the very strong possibility of seeing whales, basking sharks and dolphins, as well as a plethora of birdlife, and we’re sold.

It’s easy to tout “cultural immersion”, but this 12 week stay in Peru really delivers. Combining home stay, language training, adventure trekking, cultural seminars and arts appreciation with meaningful voluntary work, you get the whole package.

Images of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman’s Long Way Round flashed in the team’s minds when we heard about Tour d’Afrique. Except, of course, with less cameras, more pedaling, and a much greater sense of adventure. The annual Tour d'Afrique is an 11,800 km (7,375 mile) bicycle expedition and race from Cairo to Cape Town , which holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest human powered crossing of Africa. Since then some 250 people from more than 20 countries have completed this epic journey. Why not join them?

“I’ve climbed the eighth highest mountain in the world”. Quite a statement. Scaling the North East face of Mt Menaslu in the Himalayas, whilst far from a cinch, it is a very achievable climb given its 8000+ metre height. The two guys behind the expedition, Guy Willett and Kenton Cool really know their stuff, too.

Kick start the year with these fast-paced Lindy hop lessons. We love how fun this original jitterbug dance looks, and for a fiver per class it’s a perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up.

If you want to lose that extra holiday weight, this boot camp is exactly what you need. Change shape and fitness level, lose that extra inch and receive plenty of motivation from your supportive instructors. Prepare to feel and look amazing in time for the beach season!

Downtown LA, iconic Hollywood sites, Bel Air and Long Beach– sounds like your average tour? Think again. We dig this amazing Zeppelin flight-seeing trip because it’s certainly the coolest and most unique way of seeing LA. From around 1300 feet and at an easy going 35mph, there’s no better way to cruise over Hollywood’s most famous backyards.

A food tasting walk covering Japanese, Brazilian, Nepalese and French cuisine sounds like a mouth-watering feast. Combine that with fascinating food stories, little known celebrity haunts and quirky neighbourhood shops for the ultimate LA food adventure.

If you're a devoted foodie, this weekend of deliciousness will not disappoint. The passionate owners of Bluebell Croft will teach you how to cook on an Aga, how to smoke fish, meat and cheese and most importantly, they’ll have you tasting everything you make. Learn skills that will last you a lifetime, and a tasty lifetime at that!

For the ultimate birdwatching experience you'll need to head to Costa Rica's Quetzal country for a chance to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. We love this once-in-a lifetime journey which includes a canopy tour, a spectacular boat trip and plenty of walking in the beautiful Costa Rican landscape.

Listen to the inside story of how Wall Street’s Masters of the Universe sent the world’s financial climate haywire for just 45 bucks - now that’s maths we like. Discover New York’s financial district in the light of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Topical, inexpensive and educational, what’s not to like?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of beauty products out there and their steep prices? Let us suggest trying this make-your-own natural skincare workshop. Not only will you know exactly what goes in the products but you can also save cash on buying cleanser, moisturiser, face masks and body gel.

The Snow Valley Huskies have charmed us completely here at Ooh. This listing offers the chance to take part in a fast-paced dogsledding wilderness adventure. Take these friendly and clever animals across the wild and beautiful trails of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on an unforgettable day tour.

Why not develop a new skill for the new year? We bet that you haven’t tried blacksmithing before! With blacksmith David Robertson’s expert guidance anyone can learn the art of blacksmithing. Who wouldn’t fancy having a go at making tool hooks, coal rakes and finials? Sign us up!

Taking on Everest might seem like an extreme New Year’s resolution, but think about it: what better challenge could you use to kick off the next decade? We’re really impressed with this extensive 7 week adventure, preparing you for the incredible moment when you reach the summit.

We absolutely love this listing and we're delighted to recommend it in our winter Hall of Fame - experience the British Winter at it's most sublime.