In this episode, the Ski Moms are joined by Julie Gacnik, co-founder of Pure Mountain Fun and mom of four who turned her family's ski day frustrations into a thriving business. A former university administrator who learned to ski in Iowa, Julie's journey began when her 10-year-old daughter invented a 3.5-ounce ski carrier for a school project. After strangers at Beaver Creek asked where they could buy it, the family launched Pure Mountain Fun in March 2020, just one week before the ski industry shut down.

Julie shares how the COVID pandemic actually helped them build their business, giving time to figure out domestic manufacturing and navigate virtual trade shows. All four children remain actively involved, from choosing product colors to inventing new items like the ski mat and ring toss made from remnant fabric. The family's commitment became clear when they turned down an offer to sell the business after the kids insisted they wanted to maintain control over their story.

The episode concludes with their après ski traditions: chips and salsa, root beer for the youngest, and blowing bubbles that freeze in the mountain air while watching "Foxana" the fox visit their condo patio.

Quotes:

"The ski pack is a 3 1/2 ounce ski carrier designed to fit like a backpack, but also intuitive enough that a little child such as a three year old understands how to carry it."

"If the kids have fun, if the memories are left on the mountain and not in the parking lot from a negative experience, they had a positive experience on the mountain."

Links:

Pure Mountain Fun: PureMountainFun.com Special Offer: Use code SKIMOMSFUN for 15% off

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Still shopping for the skier or rider in your life?  The Ski Haus has you covered. Stop by the Ski Haus or grab a gift card online — and give the gift of snow this season. They’ve got locations in Salem, NH and Woburn, and Framingham in MA. Head to skihaus.com  to check store hours and directions.

Plan your winter getaway now at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com.

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