In the heart of Val Claret, the discreet façade of Sport 2000 Jubike hides a veritable den of enthusiasts. Here, in summer, you can breathe in the mountains to the rhythm of cramponed tyres. And behind the counter is a familiar face in the resort: Julien Blard. Arrived "by chance fifteen years ago, he never left.
"I came on holiday to see some friends who were doing the season. I fell in love with it straight away: the scenery, the atmosphere, the activities... Since then, I've been there every winter and summer.
- READ OUR DOSSIER - "Tignes, the sports resort par excellence".
From seasonal worker in a sports shop, this outdoor enthusiast became manager, taking over the shop and giving it a dual identity. A ski temple in winter and a bike shop in summer.
Mountain biking for all... but not by halves
In July and August, ski suits give way to helmets and protective gear. The shop windows are filled with tyres, frames and spare parts. "We try to have a bit of everything for all types of mountain biker, even if we are very DH and enduro oriented. But we want there to be something for everyone, from the experienced rider to the family who wants to discover the area around the lake.
Hire is one of the mainstays of the business: €89 a day for a top-of-the-range bike, €65 for a half-day. "For beginners, we often recommend starting with a half-day session. Downhill mountain biking is intense and sometimes rough. It's better to start gradually and, why not, come back later in the holiday for a second session.
DH, enduro, VTTAE... the shop covers it all. Electric bikes are particularly appealing to those who want to explore further afield, even combining with chairlifts to reach otherwise inaccessible panoramas. "It's a bit like ski touring in winter: you combine ski lifts and personal effort. But up there, with electricity, you still need a minimum of technique.
In fifteen years, Julien has seen Tignes become a true summer destination. "Every year, visitor numbers increase. The resort and the bike patrols do an enormous amount of work to maintain and improve the trails. Their aim is not to have more and more on the map, but to offer varied, fun trails that are, above all, in perfect condition.
An address for driving... and repairs
The altitude means long descents and impressive vertical drops. And when the link with Val d'Isère opens early - as it did this year, for the first time ever - the whole ski area expands. "Panoramic views, quality of track... it's a real feast for the eyes.
Sport 2000 Jubike does more than just hire and sell accessories. The repair shop attracts holidaymakers and locals alike. "We repair all types of bike. Since last year, we've even started doing suspension work: forks, shock absorbers, etc. Some people come just for that, even with their own equipment.
The clientele is a reflection of the resort: international and eclectic. French families who rent for the day, English downhill enthusiasts, riders who come especially to take advantage of the resort's technical tracks, and so on. Tignes and Val d'Isère.
As for Julien, he continues to savour each summer as if it were his first season. "There's never a dull moment here. Between the snow that sometimes delays the opening of the slopes and the new features that arrive every year, there's always something to talk about... and to ride."