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 have a dog called Charlie. We are based in Monmouth, South Wales from where we operate the business.

During the summer we head out ‘en famille’ and we run just one chalet where I do the catering myself, while Cat has her hands full with the boys! In the winter we employ a team of well trained staff to cater for you our guests, though I still spend much of my time in Les Gets over the winter season, as we like to have one foot firmly planted in Les Gets.

Cat and I are really proud of the service we offer, and 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

Ski Drawing

Hover over our names to find out more about us

Lucas

Lucas (aged 14) is our eldest son and we are so proud of his patience and maturity, which over the years have been put to the test by his younger brothers.

Jim

Jim is a keen squash player and plays as often as Cat lets him. He does all the day to day running of the business, including correspondence with guests and daily contact with our staff.

Samuel

Fearless on the slopes and born with a cheeky glint in his eye, Samuel loved Les Gets in both summer and winter, and never tired from talking about ski lifts! Dear Samuel died aged 7, but he is a continuous presence in our hearts, and we eagerly look forward to seeing him again in heaven.


Cat

Cat volunteers at a Bible Study group for children, loves to potter in the garden and once upon a long time ago traveled far and wide. Now there’s no place like home, and she's in charge of the PM website and the boys.

Robin

Robin (aged 8) loves the great outdoors, and has always 'punched above his weight' under the influence of 2 daring older brothers. He's an enthusiastic 'farmer' - always taking the tools we're trying to use - and loves to visit our hens and collect their eggs.