Duggee. There are options for winter off. Up to 5 months if you so choose. BUT.....IT ISNT GUARANTEED. It all depends on their "operational requirements!" Ie, how many they need on standby. You can apply for it and see what they come back with in terms of which months they will let you take off. You can opt for the BOGOF offer as mentioned before and take up to the 5 months off(each month you take off is paid at 50% salary for those months only) or take the 2 months off at 90% salary or 4 months off at 80% salary that is spread throughout the year.