From Ski Day Struggles to Smart Solutions: Julie Gacnik's Pure Mountain Fun Story

Send us Fan MailIn 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% offStop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations. Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own! 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot. Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com