Meet the team

We have a great many brilliant staff behind our Company and sadly not enough space for everyone. As we enter our 25th year with hundreds of season’s experience between us, it’s fair to say that we know a thing or two about creating epic ski and activity holidays. Each year we employ more than 180 staff and give them the training they need to put in place unforgettable holidays to our high standards. Find out more about joining our team

James Hardiman

Founder & CEO

James started the Company in 1997 while still at Uni. He is a passionate skier and snowboarder whose creative flair and love for the mountains has driven the Company forwards. In summer, James races sailboats and keeps fit by surfing or foiling when he’s not planning new and exciting products for our guests.

Clare Smith

Chief Operating Officer

Clare has been with us for 18 years and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in travel and tour operations. She is the backbone of our head office and part of her role ensures all our guests get a seamless experience from the moment they first call to the day they return.   

Mick Long

Chief Finance Officer

Mick has been in the ski and travel industry for over 20 years and came to Alpine in 2016 via Crystal Holidays and TUI Specialist Holidays. Mick’s dedication provides immeasurable support to the team and the inner workings of our business. In his spare time Mick is often cycling or being towed home in his vintage VW camper van!

Mike Pratt

Head of Overseas Operations

Mike first started with Alpine in 2010 and carries a wealth of experience in hotel and tour operations. Mike oversees the smooth running of all our resorts and heads up the overseas team of staff. Mike is a keen backcountry skier, dog lover and sailor!

Mark Sturgeon

Marketing Manager

Mark is a true industry stalwart and life-contributor to the UK snowsports industry. In 1990 he started the UK’s first ever snowboard magazine (Snowboard UK) and was at the foundation of the British snowboard industry, essentially helping it grow into what it is today. Mark moved over to Alpine Elements in 2005 and now manages our website and social media needs.

Charlie Collett

Charlie has worked over 6 years out in the Alps, from chalet host to resort manager for various companies and joined the Alpine Elements UK team in 2017. He is still a very keen skier, snowboarder and climber.

Scott Ure

Head of Accounts Overseas

Scott heads up our French accounts department and is a key player in our team, providing the French team with critical support to run our properties. He’s been with Alpine for 7 years after initially coming out just to do a season!  Scott is a keen skier and snowboarder and by summer enjoys road biking, mountain biking and via ferrrata

Doug Pihema Overseas Accountant

Doug has been with us since 2008 and spent the last 25 years living/working in ski resorts in New Zealand, Canada and the Alps. He’s done everything from ski lift operator and ski technician to chalet, bar & resort management and now counts beans for us! Doug is living the snow dream in all winter disciplines (nordic, snowboard, ski, splitboarding) and in summer its cycling.

Adele Long

I have been with Alpine Elements since 2019 having previously worked in finance at Crystal Ski for 7 years. I didn’t learn to ski until I was in my 30’s but I love being in the mountains, and what I lack in ability I make up for with enthusiasm. While waiting for the snow Adele likes to sea swim, cycle and walk. 

Adrian Cumpanasu 

Adrian has been with us for 6 years and supports the UK and French teams with an invaluable IT infrastructure. He helps manage our complex reservations systems and gives us the visibility to ensure we are performing well...

Meet the team

We have a great many brilliant staff behind our Company and sadly not enough space for everyone. As we enter our 25th year with hundreds of season’s experience between us, it’s fair to say that we know a thing or two about creating epic ski and activity holidays. Each year we employ more than 180 staff and give them the training they need to put in place unforgettable holidays to our high standards. Find out more about joining our team

James Hardiman

Founder & CEO

James started the Company in 1997 while still at Uni. He is a passionate skier and snowboarder whose creative flair and love for the mountains has driven the Company forwards. In summer, James races sailboats and keeps fit by surfing or foiling when he’s not planning new and exciting products for our guests.

Clare Smith

Chief Operating Officer

Clare has been with us for 18 years and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in travel and tour operations. She is the backbone of our head office and part of her role ensures all our guests get a seamless experience from the moment they first call to the day they return.   

Mick Long

Chief Finance Officer

Mick has been in the ski and travel industry for over 20 years and came to Alpine in 2016 via Crystal Holidays and TUI Specialist Holidays. Mick’s dedication provides immeasurable support to the team and the inner workings of our business. In his spare time Mick is often cycling or being towed home in his vintage VW camper van!

Mike Pratt

Head of Overseas Operations

Mike first started with Alpine in 2010 and carries a wealth of experience in hotel and tour operations. Mike oversees the smooth running of all our resorts and heads up the overseas team of staff. Mike is a keen backcountry skier, dog lover and sailor!

Mark Sturgeon

Marketing Manager

Mark is a true industry stalwart and life-contributor to the UK snowsports industry. In 1990 he started the UK’s first ever snowboard magazine (Snowboard UK) and was at the foundation of the British snowboard industry, essentially helping it grow into what it is today. Mark moved over to Alpine Elements in 2005 and now manages our website and social media needs.

Charlie Collett

Charlie has worked over 6 years out in the Alps, from chalet host to resort manager for various companies and joined the Alpine Elements UK team in 2017. He is still a very keen skier, snowboarder and climber.

Scott Ure

Head of Accounts Overseas

Scott heads up our French accounts department and is a key player in our team, providing the French team with critical support to run our properties. He’s been with Alpine for 7 years after initially coming out just to do a season!  Scott is a keen skier and snowboarder and by summer enjoys road biking, mountain biking and via ferrrata

Doug Pihema Overseas Accountant

Doug has been with us since 2008 and spent the last 25 years living/working in ski resorts in New Zealand, Canada and the Alps. He’s done everything from ski lift operator and ski technician to chalet, bar & resort management and now counts beans for us! Doug is living the snow dream in all winter disciplines (nordic, snowboard, ski, splitboarding) and in summer its cycling.

Adele Long

I have been with Alpine Elements since 2019 having previously worked in finance at Crystal Ski for 7 years. I didn’t learn to ski until I was in my 30’s but I love being in the mountains, and what I lack in ability I make up for with enthusiasm. While waiting for the snow Adele likes to sea swim, cycle and walk. 

Adrian Cumpanasu 

Adrian has been with us for 6 years and supports the UK and French teams with an invaluable IT infrastructure. He helps manage our complex reservations systems and gives us the visibility to ensure we are performing well...

Meet the team

We have a great many brilliant staff behind our Company and sadly not enough space for everyone. As we enter our 25th year with hundreds of season’s experience between us, it’s fair to say that we know a thing or two about creating epic ski and activity holidays. Each year we employ more than 180 staff and give them the training they need to put in place unforgettable holidays to our high standards. Find out more about joining our team

James Hardiman

Founder & CEO

James started the Company in 1997 while still at Uni. He is a passionate skier and snowboarder whose creative flair and love for the mountains has driven the Company forwards. In summer, James races sailboats and keeps fit by surfing or foiling when he’s not planning new and exciting products for our guests.

Clare Smith

Chief Operating Officer

Clare has been with us for 18 years and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in travel and tour operations. She is the backbone of our head office and part of her role ensures all our guests get a seamless experience from the moment they first call to the day they return.   

Mick Long

Chief Finance Officer

Mick has been in the ski and travel industry for over 20 years and came to Alpine in 2016 via Crystal Holidays and TUI Specialist Holidays. Mick’s dedication provides immeasurable support to the team and the inner workings of our business. In his spare time Mick is often cycling or being towed home in his vintage VW camper van!

Mike Pratt

Head of Overseas Operations

Mike first started with Alpine in 2010 and carries a wealth of experience in hotel and tour operations. Mike oversees the smooth running of all our resorts and heads up the overseas team of staff. Mike is a keen backcountry skier, dog lover and sailor!

Mark Sturgeon

Marketing Manager

Mark is a true industry stalwart and life-contributor to the UK snowsports industry. In 1990 he started the UK’s first ever snowboard magazine (Snowboard UK) and was at the foundation of the British snowboard industry, essentially helping it grow into what it is today. Mark moved over to Alpine Elements in 2005 and now manages our website and social media needs.

Charlie Collett

Charlie has worked over 6 years out in the Alps, from chalet host to resort manager for various companies and joined the Alpine Elements UK team in 2017. He is still a very keen skier, snowboarder and climber.

Scott Ure

Head of Accounts Overseas

Scott heads up our French accounts department and is a key player in our team, providing the French team with critical support to run our properties. He’s been with Alpine for 7 years after initially coming out just to do a season!  Scott is a keen skier and snowboarder and by summer enjoys road biking, mountain biking and via ferrrata

Doug Pihema Overseas Accountant

Doug has been with us since 2008 and spent the last 25 years living/working in ski resorts in New Zealand, Canada and the Alps. He’s done everything from ski lift operator and ski technician to chalet, bar & resort management and now counts beans for us! Doug is living the snow dream in all winter disciplines (nordic, snowboard, ski, splitboarding) and in summer its cycling.

Adele Long

I have been with Alpine Elements since 2019 having previously worked in finance at Crystal Ski for 7 years. I didn’t learn to ski until I was in my 30’s but I love being in the mountains, and what I lack in ability I make up for with enthusiasm. While waiting for the snow Adele likes to sea swim, cycle and walk. 

Adrian Cumpanasu 

Adrian has been with us for 6 years and supports the UK and French teams with an invaluable IT infrastructure. He helps manage our complex reservations systems and gives us the visibility to ensure we are performing well.