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

For many families, a ski day starts with anticipation—but can quickly spiral into frustration. This often happens when lugging gear across icy parking lots. For Julie Gacnik, mom of four and co-founder of Pure Mountain Fun, these early-morning challenges became the spark. They inspired a smart, family-run business designed to make ski days smoother.

A former university administrator who learned to ski on the gentle slopes of Iowa, Julie now calls Colorado home. Her journey from ski mom to entrepreneur began in a surprising way: with a school project. When her 10-year-old daughter designed a lightweight ski carrier for a classroom assignment, it quickly caught the attention of strangers. At Beaver Creek, people wanted to buy one on the spot. That seed of an idea blossomed into Pure Mountain Fun, launched in March 2020—just one week before the ski industry shut down due to the pandemic.

Rather than derail their momentum, COVID became an unexpected opportunity. Julie and her family used the downtime to research domestic manufacturing options and participate in virtual trade shows. This intentional pause gave them time to build a brand rooted in family values, simplicity, and fun.

At the heart of their product line is the Ski Pack, a 3.5-ounce ski carrier designed to be intuitive—even for a three-year-old. Shaped like a backpack, it helps young skiers transport their own gear with confidence. “If the kids have fun,” Julie says, “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.” That philosophy drives the company’s mission: to keep ski days joyful, not stressful.

Pure Mountain Fun is more than a product—it’s a family affair. All four Gacnik children are active in the business, from selecting color palettes to designing new items. They have created the ski mat and a ring toss game made from fabric remnants. Their commitment runs deep. When the family was approached with an offer to sell the business, the kids unanimously voted to stay independent. They wanted to maintain creative control.

Listen to the Podcast Here

In this episode, the Ski Moms are joined by Julie Gacnik, co-founder of and mom of four who turned her family’s ski day frustrations into a thriving business.

The Gacniks have also carved out their own après ski traditions—chips and salsa, root beer for the youngest, and the simple joy of watching bubbles freeze in the mountain air. A regular guest they call “Foxana” often visits their condo patio, adding a bit of magic to their winter evenings.

From humble beginnings to a brand beloved by fellow ski parents, Pure Mountain Fun reflects the power of ingenuity, family teamwork, and a shared love of the outdoors.

Learn more at PureMountainFun.com
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