“For small stations like us, it’s good to think deeply. To avoid finding yourself in the same situation as Grand Puy. » Alain Quièvre, president of the Montclar ski area (MDS), is “heartbroken and saddened” by the closure of the neighboring resort. Enough to echo the situation of his station a few years ago. In 2017, the municipality announced its wish to no longer manage the lifts and launched a call for tenders for a Public Service Delegation (DSP). Resort professionals, customers, elected officials created MDS to respond to this call for tenders and begin to manage the station.
“In 2017, the summer season accounted for 5% of our turnover”
“The first drastic step was to close the Ubaye sector during the low season,” remembers the manager. A “strong decision” which allows us to save €100,000 and return to balance. Second lever activated by managers: diversify your activity, particularly in summer. “In 2017, the summer season accounted for 5% of our turnover. In 2024, it is 14%,” figures the manager.
A diversification which took place through the bike park but also through fun zone at the top of the chairlift. Tourists can find many activities there that are “very attractive for children, teenagers and parents”. Result: “Sales of pedestrian lifts have increased, it has become a must for vacationers,” judges Alain Quièvre.
“Private management brings hope”
To continue on the same momentum, Montclar les 2 Vallées intends to develop this fun zone and create a new downhill mountain bike trail. A green slope, accessible to beginners.
Seven years after the takeover, Alain Quièvre believes that “private management brings hope”. But for him, the best remains a “mixed solution, half-private, half-public”: “In the private sector, management close to the ground, in the public sector, heavy investments. » In Montclar the delegation implies that the municipality remains the owner of the premises. Long-term investments are therefore planned and financed by it via aid.
