Les Coches

La Plagne ski area

La Plagne is part of the large ‘Paradiski’ ski area and is the 2nd largest connected skiing area in the world. Paradiski has excellent facilities and with its huge variation in altitude (1200m-3250m) and with over 70% of the area being above 2000m, there is a multitude of different types of scenery and piste to explore. This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 18 ski resorts (the first 11 below in La Plagne and the other 7 in Les Arcs):

• Plagne Montalbert
• Plagne Bellecote
• Montchavin
• Les Coches
• Champagny en Vanoise
• Belle Plagne
• Plagne 1800
• Plagne Soleil
• Aime la Plagne
• Plagne Centre
• Plagne Villages
• Arc 1600
• Arc 1800
• Arc 1950
• Arc 2000
• Peisey Vallandry
• Villaroger
• Bourg St Maurice

Paradiski is linked by the Vanoise Express double-decker cable car (since 2003) which can transport nearly 200 people across the valley of Peisey-Nacroix in less than 4 minutes. It is the largest cable car in the world currently. Fun facts: the cabin is 380m from the ground at its highest point and travels at 45km/hour. Its quite a spectacular journey with stunning views.

The departure station is in Plan-Peisey at 1612m of elevation. The arrival station is at 1548m of elevation upstream to Montchavin. In winter, the cable car is accessible to skiers (and pedestrians, see below). On Montchavin side, the cable car arrives on a ski slope. You can't reach Montchavin by foot. It is advised to find a guide to find practicable paths via snowshoe.

Paradiski presents VertiGO thanks to a 1.70m2 transparent glass plate in the floor (since 2015) of the lower level of both of the 2 cabins, passengers can enjoy the view in 3 dimensions, combining a 360° panorama of the legendary surrounding mountain peaks and a plunging view of the Ponthurin valley under your feet!

The lifts in the Montchavin/Les Coches sector are fast. And with 70% of the ski runs at over 2000m and one of the world’s most modern artificial snow systems, Paradiski guarantees top-quality snow conditions from December to April. With the best-known peaks, such as Mont Blanc and the Pierra Menta forming a panoramic background, Paradiski is also the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, a nature reserve of 53,000 hectares. 

Before venturing on to the vast La Plagne ski area or even the 425km (266 miles) of Paradiski, many visitors enjoy the lovely sheltered skiing above the village on fairly easy tree-lined runs. North-facing slopes and snowmaking means resort-level snow is normally excellent.

To get to La Plagne there are a few lift systems you can take but the local slopes have a number of easy-intermediate runs. Les Coches is a little Alpine village linked to the large Paradiski ski area so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The slopes of the La Plagne side are mostly north-facing and between 2000m and 2700m making most of La Plagne’s slopes snowsure. The local Montchavin-Les Coches slopes are tree-lined, whereas higher up at altitude the terrain is largely wide open.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):

La Plagne local area

225km of pistes, 76 lifts, 137 slopes:

Green slopes: 9
Blue slopes: 77
Red slopes: 34
Black slopes: 17

Les Coches/Montchavin local area - 18 lifts (8 chairlift, 7 draglift, 3 gondola), 26 slopes (15 blue, 5 red, 4 black)

La Plagne skiing info

Beginners
Thanks to nursery slopes at all altitudes, La Plagne is well recommended to families and offers excellent facilities for beginners and novices. La Plagne is a great resort to learn to ski or snowboard. There are a number of designated beginner areas in La Plagne, so look out for the ‘Zone Débutant’ signs.

There are 14 free lifts in La Plagne:

• Le Solu & Le Biquet in Plagne Soleil & Plagne Village
• Telebaby in Plagne Centre
• Aime la Plagne in Aime la Plagne
• Praconduit in Plagne 1800
• Belle Plagne & Croets in Belle Plagne
• Montchavin, Sucette & Plan Bois in Montchavin
• Patinoire & Le Petit Sauget in Les Coches
• La Bergerie in Champagny
• Montalbert in Montalbert

There is a beginner's zone in Plagne Centre, which is hard to beat! It is the meeting point for most ski schools, the beginner area has a drag lift, there is a snow garden for the little ones and the longest green run in resort serviced by its own slow-speed beginner chairlift. Once you’re off the greens, take Colorado chair for some cruisey blues and La Plagne's unique Purple Piste (Home of the Milka cow). The biggest area for beginners is Plagne Bellecôte.

Skiers can enjoy the whole Paradiski area using just blue pistes to get going (again) gently.

Intermediates
With almost 80% of the 225km of slopes in La Plagne being blue or red, the ski area is an intermediates paradise. The long sweeping Mont de La Guerre red run with 1250m/4100ft vertical from Les Verdons to Champagny is great for intermediates.

For early intermediates, there are gentle blue motorway pistes in the main bowl of La Plagne. The blue Arnica run in Plagne Bellecôte has loads of little jumps and bankings to play on and is accessible via the Colorado chairlift. The Pierres Blanches blue run over in Montchavin/Les Coches is very similar.

For the more advanced intermediates, try the wide but fast Les Laines and L’Arpette from Dos Rond to Plagne Bellecôte.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
For experts, the most challenging area of La Plagne has to be the Glacier de la Chiaupe, more commonly known as the Bellecôte Glacier. Le Rochu and Bellecôte black runs are definitely not to be missed and can be enjoyed in any snow conditions. There is also a challenging 200m long mogul field here, at the top of the Traversee chairlift.

At 2350m, just above Aime La Plagne, you will find ‘Le Biolley’ which is another good area for advanced skiers. Les Etroits is the longest and most challenging black run here plus you have Morbleu, Les Coqs and Plsembleu.

Another good, long and fast run is Inversens onto Les Crozat's black, accessible from the top of the 'Roche de Mio'. Experts will, of course, get the very best out of the ski area if they hire a mountain guide and explore the off-piste.

La Plagne holds vast and varied terrains with excellent spring snow and has some of the most challenging off-piste powder skiing in the whole of the Tarentaise Valley.

The main off-piste area is the 'Glacier de la Chiaupe', more commonly known as the Bellecôte Glacier. The most famous runs are on the north face. The easiest is the Petit Face Nord, which is easily accessible from the Traversee chairlift. The next step, involving a hike up, is the Couloir Canadian.

Avalanches are common on the glacier and parts are very steep so as with most off-piste, a professional mountain guide is highly recommended – this will not only ensure your safety but will also allow you to experience the very best off-piste areas that La Plagne and the Paradiski ski areas have to offer.

La Plagne mountain fun zones

La Plagne ski area offers good terrain for all level of riders. In the Paradiski ski area overall there are 2 snow parks, 1 half pipe, 2 board gliss, and 3 boardercross. There are terrain parks at Belle Plagne, Montchavin-Les Coches and Champagny.

The snowpark in Belle Plagne has now moved to Montchavin-Les Coches as of 2022.

There is a permanent half pipe in Plagne Bellecôte, located right next to the Colosses drag lift.

Another boardercross is located at the top of the ‘Le Dos Rond’ area in Montchavin-Les Coches. North facing and with views of Mont Blanc, you will find a permanent boardercross, beginners zone, rainbow, rails, fun box, tables, kickers etc.

In Plagne Centre you will find another big airbag at the foot of the slopes. Dare 2Be Freestyle Airbag can now be found in Montalbert, at the foot of the slopes, next to the toboggan run. Also in Montalbert, there is a freestyle park initiation fun zone with bumps, boardercross, tracks, tables and parallel slalom. Free access.

La Plagne nordic skiing

There are 85km/53 miles of cross-country trails in the La Plagne ski area alone for you to explore and a total of 153km of trails in the whole Paradiski ski area.

The most beautiful of those are the 30km/19 miles of winding tracks set around Champagny-le-Haut. This track goes from Les Bauches in Montchavin-Les Coches to Plagne Bellecôte and is the longest and hardest track in the La Plagne area.

Easier routes include a circuit above Plagne Soleil in the midst of the downhill ski area and the longer track below Plagne 1800, from La Roche to just above Montalbert. In Montalbert you will also find some areas and small circuits, especially for learner cross-country skiers.

If you have a car and fancy a day trip then head to the stunning ‘Vallée de Bellecôte’ (separating La Plagne from Les Arcs). Drive up the valley as far as you can go and you will come to Peisey-Nancroix, which offers 44km of cross-country trails, a clubhouse and a café. This is near to Peisey-Vallandry.

Les Coches ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Les Coches ski hire and/or Les Coches lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Les Coches group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 13 years in Les Coches with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 9 years+. 

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Les Coches private lessons (not pre-bookable)

Private lessons with an instructor can only be arranged directly with the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons are usually around €40-60 per hour (depending on resort, time of day and period) and becomes cheaper the more hours you take and the more people you have to share the hours with i.e with family members or friends. Some resorts insist on a minimum of 3 sessions to be booked at once.

Contact ESF Les Coches for private lessons - 0033 4 79 07 80 33

Les Coches childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 5 months to 3 years and 3 years-11 years (non-skiers)

The Câlins des Neiges and Les Cîmes daycare centre offers à la carte and hourly formulas. A flexible approach that makes parents' organisation easier. Open from 8.45am-5.30pm. Closed on Saturday.

Please contact direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 673 97 98 60

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in La Plagne

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

La Plagne as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

There are more activities in Les Arcs also, which can be accessed by car or using the Vanoise Express on skis.

AEROLIVE!
La Plagne's exclusive new experience for 2024, the only one of its kind in the world. From summer 2024, treat yourself to a sensational aerial ascent on the Glaciers gondola. Two cable cars, named "L'ACROBATE" (Acrobat) and "LA FUNAMBULE" (Tightrope walker) replace the classic cable cars to take the daring among you to the summit. Open to the elements, they'll transport you to the heart of the mountains while offering you an exceptional unobstructed panoramic view (no windows in the gondola, you are secured into the gondola by ropes). Departure from Roche de Mio. Takes 30 minutes including briefing and cabin ride. Capacity 6 persons and minimum height is 1.40m

Snowshoe walks & hikes
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way for the whole family to truly discover the mountains, the flora and fauna and the wildlife. There are numerous snowshoe companies in La Plagne. Your best bet is to visit the Plagne Soleil & Plagne Village Tourist Office information point to find out more about the different options available and to obtain a footpath map. 

Bobsleigh track
The impressive Olympic Bobsleigh Track was built in La Plagne when Albertville hosted the 16th Winter Olympics in 1992. It is still used today for European and World events and is not surprisingly one of La Plagne's most popular attractions. This amazing track is 1.5km long, has 19 bends and is located just below Plagne 1800. There are 3 different options of excitement for you:

• Bob Raft – is a bob for 4 people and requires no driver as it has automatic steering and braking. It reaches 80km/hour. Minimum height: 1.30m. 
• Mono Bob - no driver, no one else, just you and the ride of your life! You are in a semi-horizontal position and fly down the track at approximately 90km/hour.
• Taxi Bob – this bob is for 3 people and a professional driver will get you up to a speed of more than 100km/hour. This is similar to the competition bobsleigh. 

Tickets can be purchased at the track, from the ESF ski school or at the tourist office.

Ice Cave
The Ice Grotto in La Plagne is not to be missed, with beautiful ice sculptures it is a fun and beautiful experience for everyone. You will find it at the top of the Plagne Bellecote glacier at 3417m. Accessible to all pedestrians and skiers.

Sledging
The ‘Colorado Park’ toboggan run in Plagne Centre is 1500m long and has prime views of Mont Blanc. Toboggan and helmet are compulsory and included in the price. Minimum height: 1.40m. The meeting point is at the foot of the Colorado chairlift in Plagne Centre, where tickets can be purchased. 

The ‘Eldorado Park’ toboggan run in Plagne Bellecôte is 2440m long. Toboggan and helmet are compulsory and included in the price. Minimum height: 1.40m. The meeting point is at the foot of the Arpette chairlift in Plagne Bellecôte.

There is also smaller toboggan runs dotted around La Plagne. Look out for the ‘Espaces Luge’ signs.

Skidoo
At an altitude of 2000m and after the slopes have closed you can try out your skills on a Skidoo (snow-scooter) in Belle Plagne, Plagne Bellecôte and Plagne Centre. Minimum age: 16 years for driver & 12 years for a passenger.

Snakegliss
Another great sledging experience has to be Snakegliss, a train of sledges all connected together – amazing fun for families and friends. This takes place after the slopes close in Montchavin Les Coches. 

Top activities to experience in La Plagne

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

La Plagne as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

There are more activities in Les Arcs also, which can be accessed by car or using the Vanoise Express on skis.

Cinema
There are 2 cinemas in La Plagne. Visit the tourist office for film listings and times.

Bowling
In Belle-Plagne you will find a bowling alley with a bar showing the major sporting events, games room and pool tables. 

Ice skating
The nearest artificial ice rink is 5 minutes from the centre of Montchavin Les Coches, at the top of the Montchavin gondola lift and is 800m2. Enjoy ice skating in the open air, push your children around the ice in a troïka or join in the friendly ice hockey matches! 

Swimming
There is a public heated outdoor swimming pool in Plagne Bellecôte. Located in the heart of the resort, the pool has amazing panoramic views of the slopes and is heated to 30°.

La Plagne news

What's new for the 2024/25 season:

• AEROLIVE! La Plagne's exclusive new experience, the only one of its kind in the world. From summer 2024, treat yourself to a sensational aerial ascent on the Glaciers gondola. Two cable cars, named "L'ACROBATE" (Acrobat) and "LA FUNAMBULE" (Tightrope walker) replace the classic cable cars to take the daring among you to the summit. Open to the elements, they'll transport you to the heart of the mountains while offering you an exceptional unobstructed panoramic view (no windows in the gondola, you are secured into the gondola by ropes). Departure from Roche de Mio. Takes 30 minutes including briefing and cabin ride. Capacity 6 persons and minimum height is 1.40m,
• "Le Lounge", open to visitors at 2,800m at the top of Roche de Mio, this new heated picnic room has comfortable modern furniture with incredible views,
• 2 dedicated "LA PAUSE" picnic areas at the top of the mountain with tables, deckchairs and mobile phone charging points,
• Roche de Mio gondola project - redevelopment of the Roche de Mio gondola with opening
  planned for December 2025. The plan is to remove the existing Roche de Mio gondola from Belle Plagne to Roche de Mio, keeping just the section between Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne. Construction of a new gondola following a different line: starting from Plagne Bellecôte (1,930 m) passing through an intermediate station at Col de Forcle (2,273 m) and arriving at Roche de Mio (2,739 m). The capacity will raise to 10 seats and journey time cut in half to 7-9 mins,
• Chalet du Bresson restaurant - completely renovated by the La Plagne Tarentaise commune, management of the Chalet du Bresson has been taken over by a team of 3 highly motivated friends. The setting combines modernity with old-style cachet, so the olden-day objects, including the wood stove that hums at the back of the room. Ideally located at the crossroads to a number of hiking trails. 

La Plagne events

Events taking place in the 2024/25 season:

• Junior Luge World Cup 3rd-7th December 2024: in Plagne Montalbert. A 2030 Olympic site, France’s only bobsleigh track will be continuing its tradition of hosting top-level international competitions,
• Ice Climbing World Cup 31st January-2nd February 2025: in Champagny. The 22m-high ice tour in Champagny-en-Vanoise is one of a kind in Europe. It also has a dry tooling route so the world’s elite can compete with their ice axes and crampons,
• 40th Altigliss Student Ski and Snowboard World Cup 15th-22nd March 2025: Every
  winter, the event brings together over 1,000 participants of 30 nationalities from 45 international schools and universities, with a single aim: to promote winter sports to students from all over Europe,
• La Mega Bell Course 14th-19th April 2025: The concept is a competition unlike any other, with 5 completely crazy races that are both fun and challenging.

La Plagne apres-ski, bars & restaurants

The range of bars and restaurants is surprisingly large in between all levels of the resorts of La Plagne. There is a free bus system between the core villages - also seconded by lifts - that run until after midnight.

Mountain Restaurants
You are completely spoilt for choice of mountain restaurants in the Paradiski ski area. There is an impressive total of nearly 40: 18 in La Plagne, 13 in Les Arcs, 2 in Peisey-Vallandry, 4 in Champagny and 1 in Montalbert.

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Arc 1800 for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2019, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, Alpe d'Huez in 2013, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018. Ski and pedestrian access by the Villards gondola for Les Arcs FD (free for pedestrians), La Folie Douce is on the left at the finish line. Last descent at 7pm (8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Please note, to get back to La Plagne you need to take the Vanoise Express and then lifts (or maybe a bus) back to your accommodation so please check last lift/bus times!

Amenities

Les Coches is served by a range of amenities.

Getting to Les Coches, France

By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel LeShuttle. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English. Driving distance from Calais to Les Coches 620 miles 8hrs 50.

From Calais take the A26 motorway via Reims, Dijon and Maçon to Lyon A43/A430 to Albertville and then N90 via Moutiers in the direction of Les Arcs, following signs for Landry and Les Coches.             

By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to La Plagne is roughly 73 miles, approximately 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to La Plagne is roughly 125 miles, approximately 2hrs 15
Geneva Airport to La Plagne is roughly 125 miles, approximately 2hrs 20
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to La Plagne is roughly 114 miles, approximately 2hrs 10 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station is Aime la Plagne.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

La Plagne opening dates

See resort opening information