Where is Les Coches?
Les Coches is a charming alpine village located in the heart of the La Plagne ski resort. Sitting at around 1,450 metres altitude, the village offers direct access to the huge Paradiski domain.
Les Coches is part of the Montchavin area, known for its traditional Savoyard architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to high-altitude skiing.
Unlike some larger purpose-built resorts, Les Coches has a cosy alpine village feel while still providing access to one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Quick facts:
- Altitude: 1,450m
- Ski area: Paradiski
- Linked resorts: La Plagne & Les Arcs
- Ski slopes: 425km
- Lifts: 130+
The Paradiski Ski Area
The Paradiski area connects La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Peisey-Vallandry, creating one of the largest lift-linked ski domains in the world.
The resorts are connected by the famous Vanoise Express cable car, making it easy to explore multiple valleys in a single day.
Paradiski stats:
- 425km of pistes
- 70% of slopes above 2,000m
- Highest altitude: 3,250m
- Two glaciers for reliable snow
For skiers staying in Les Coches, the Plan Bois chairlift and Lac Noir lift provide quick access to the wider ski area.
Best Skiing in La Plagne
The La Plagne area is made up of 11 villages, each offering different terrain and views.
Popular sectors include:
Belle Plagne & Plagne Bellecôte
Great intermediate skiing and access to high-altitude glacier terrain.
Plagne Centre
The heart of the resort with wide pistes and excellent lift connections.
Montchavin–Les Coches
Tree-lined slopes, beautiful scenery, and quieter pistes.
Is Les Coches Good for Beginners?
Yes — Les Coches is one of the best beginner-friendly ski bases in La Plagne.
The area has:
- Gentle nursery slopes in the village
- Easy green and blue runs nearby
- Highly regarded ski schools
- Quiet slopes perfect for building confidence
Beginners can quickly progress to scenic blue runs linking Montchavin and La Plagne.
Best Skiing for Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers will find endless cruising terrain across the Paradiski area.
Some favourite runs include:
- Montchavin to Vallandry blue run
- Arpette sector reds
- Long cruisers above Belle Plagne
These runs offer incredible views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Tarentaise Valley.
Advanced Skiing in Paradiski
Advanced skiers can explore challenging terrain across both La Plagne and Les Arcs.
Highlights include:
- The North Face of Bellecôte (steep and legendary)
- Off-piste routes in the Aiguille Rouge sector
- Long vertical descents into Villaroger
- Extensive freeride terrain after fresh snowfall
Hiring a guide is recommended to safely explore the best off-piste areas.
Snow Conditions & Best Time to Visit
Thanks to its high altitude, the Paradiski area offers excellent snow reliability throughout the winter season.
Typical ski season:
- December – January: Quiet slopes and festive atmosphere
- February: Peak snow conditions and lively après ski
- March: Longer sunny ski days and fantastic spring snow
- April: High-altitude skiing with warmer temperatures
Because much of the ski area sits above 2,000 metres, snow conditions are often excellent even later in the season.
Après Ski in Les Coches
While Les Coches is quieter than some larger resorts, it still offers a great selection of bars and restaurants.
Popular options include:
- Traditional Savoyard restaurants serving fondue and raclette
- Cosy wine bars
- Relaxed après ski terraces
For livelier nightlife, you can also ski or take a short lift ride to nearby La Plagne villages.
Best Restaurants in Les Coches
Dining is an important part of any alpine holiday.
Local favourites include:
- Savoyard restaurants specialising in fondue and raclette
- Mountain restaurants with panoramic terraces
- Casual pizza and grill spots perfect after skiing
Many visitors choose a catered chalet stay, allowing them to enjoy chef-prepared dinners after a long day on the slopes.
Why Stay in a Catered Chalet?
Staying in a catered chalet is one of the best ways to enjoy a ski holiday in the French Alps.
Typical catered chalet experiences include:
- Daily breakfast
- Afternoon tea after skiing
- Three-course dinners prepared by a chef
- Wine served with dinner
- Help with ski passes, lessons, and transfers
This allows you to focus on skiing, relaxing, and enjoying the mountains.
Where to Stay in Les Coches
Les Coches offers a great selection of accommodation, but ski chalets are particularly popular for groups and families.
Benefits include:
- Easy access to the slopes
- Private hot tubs or saunas
- Spacious living areas
- Personal hosting and catering
Getting to Les Coches
See our guide on Getting to Les Coches
FAQs About Skiing in Les Coches
Is Les Coches good for skiing?
Yes — Les Coches offers direct access to the massive Paradiski ski area with skiing suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
How big is the Paradiski ski area?
Paradiski has 425km of pistes, linking La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry.
Is Les Coches good for families?
Absolutely. The resort has beginner slopes, ski schools, sledging areas and a relaxed village atmosphere.
What airport is closest to Les Coches?
Geneva Airport is the most common gateway, around 2 hours away by transfer.
Plan Your Ski Holiday in Les Coches
With access to 425km of pistes, spectacular views of Mont Blanc and a welcoming alpine village atmosphere, Les Coches is one of the best bases for exploring the Paradiski ski area.
Whether you’re planning a family ski holiday, group trip or luxury chalet stay, this hidden gem in La Plagne offers unforgettable skiing and authentic alpine charm.
Explore our catered chalets in Les Coches to find the perfect base for your ski holiday.
