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 Financial 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.

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.

Charlie Collett

Sales Supervisor

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.

Karina Taylor

Sales Consultant

Karina came tothe Alps to do one winter season in 2012, and she's still there over 10 years later! Karina has a wealth of Alps knowledge, has done everything from chalet hosting in the winter to barge hosting in the summer, and loves hiking, caravanning and travelling. She joined Alpine Elements in 2021, and has lived permanently for the last 6 years in Courchevel, all year round. Karina is one of the friendly voices you will speak to when enquiring about our holidays!

Jo Isac

Area Operations Manager

Jo is a key member of the Overseas Operations team in France. She ensures our chalets and hotels run smoothly and is a superb trainer and mentor for our staff. Jo plays a very big part in the delivery of our product, its compliance and the quality of our service. When she’s not working, Jo enjoys hiking, the Gym and skiing (of course!).

Jenny Wightman

Operations Support Manager

Jenny has been with Alpine for over 5 years and works tirelessly in the French Office (Morzine) making sure the wheels behind our complex operation run smoothly. She’s done 18 seasons, loves languages and has a wealth of experience. When not working, she’s a keen skier (quite a good one at that!) and enjoys netball.

Jamie Williamson

Head of HR & Recruitment Manager

Jamie has worked his career in travel in a number of operational management roles across Europe. He oversees HR, Recruitment and Compliance of both the UK and French teams supporting training and development needs within the operations team. Monitoring all staff wellbeing and supporting mangers in delivering consistent development and support for the teams. Jamie is a keen skier and runner, and supports what he calls the best Manchester team.

Nat Havard

HR & Recruitment

Nat came to the Alps for one season in 2010 and forgot to leave! After 12 years of operations management in the ski business, she has turned her attention to the HR side of the industry and is looking forward to a successful first season with Alpine. 

Alex Hoarau

Area Operations Manager 

Alex has been with us since 2018. Born in south-west France, He left Toulouse in 1995 for the Alps, settling in Morzine. He carries experience from Nouvelles Frontieres, ACCOR and TUI. In his spare time, he enjoys Nordic skiing and coaching a local rugby team.

Dan Forshaw

Hotel Manager Morzine

Dan came to Alpine after the sale of his restaurant in 2019. He has experience working in both of our Morzine hotels, currently managing the Hotel Philibert. During the winter months he is a keen skier; in the summer he enjoys hillwalking and tennis. 

Adele Long

Finance Assistant

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 

IT Manager

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.