Our Story

Cat and I first met in 2001 when we were both working for a ski tour operator in the Alps. Over the course of that first season not only did our relationship blossom, but the idea of our own ski company emerged. I’m not sure how seriously Cat took it at the time, but the idea certainly interested me, and so whilst Cat went to University I continued to work in the Alps in varied roles, from Chalet Assistant, to Chalet Host and then Resort Manager, building up valuable (and fun!) experience along the way.

Whilst working as Resort Manager during the winter season of 04/05 I met a chap who would go on to change the course of my (and Cat’s) life! Phil was working as Childcare Manager, and during the season I told him of my ideas to run my own ski company. He liked the sound of it and so we went into partnership together the following season and we set up The Chalet Experience, operating from Les Gets.

Meanwhile, after University Cat went to work for a charity called Survival International in London. Her role there taught her many skills which proved invaluable in helping us set up and run our own business later on. So too was the help from two individuals from the same charity, Clare and Toby, who provided abundant help, advice and inspiration in the early days.

Somehow we managed to stay together during the long distance relationship we sustained for over 5 years, and I finally plucked up the courage to propose and we were married in 2008! Phil and I amicably parted ways (The Chalet Experience continues to be a very successful business operating from a number of different resorts) and Pure Mountain was born!

For the first couple of years we lived in Les Gets and worked in the chalet ourselves (summer and winter), then when Lucas was born we took on staff to help and added another chalet to our books. However, missing our family back home and wanting Lucas not to miss out getting to know them well, we decided to returned to the UK. It was a tough decision because we knew the business model would have to change, but thankfully it has worked out really well and our business is going from strength to strength.

We were blessed with three wonderful, lively and life-loving little boys - Lucas, Samuel and Robin, and for a number of years we would head out to Les Gets ‘en famille’ in the summers. I would run a chalet where I would do the catering myself, while Cat had her hands full with the boys! Sadly, our beloved Samuel died when he was 7 and with the double impact of Brexit and Covid on our business, we reduced our portfolio to two catered chalets to weather the storms, and stopped doing the summers in Les Gets, which had always been a huge part of life with Samuel.

We are a few years on from this difficult time, and are still passionate about our business, Les Gets, and giving people fabulous holidays. We are based in Monmouth, South Wales from where we operate the business. In the winter we employ a team of well trained staff to cater for our guests - doing the training from our home - though I still spend time in Les Gets over the winter season, as we still like to have one foot firmly planted in resort.

Our most recent news is that we have adopted 2 children! We have always felt drawn to the possibility of adopting, as both Cat and I grew up with fostered and adopted siblings. We feel so lucky to lead the life we do, and want to share the gifts we have been given with children who don't come from such fortunate backgrounds.

Cat and I are really proud of the service we offer at Pure Mountain, and that despite all the storms, we're still here! We will always try our best to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. That’s our aim, pure and simple.

Bye for now,
Jim and Cat