The season shapes the choice of activities in Les Coches: in summer, hiking destinations such as Lac des Pierres Blanches and Vallée des Bauches take centre stage, while winter brings ski touring, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Montchavin and Les Coches are connected by the Télécabine des Coches in both summer and winter; timetables may vary by season. When planning a stay, it is worth considering your preferred activities and travel dates together.
Summer hikes through forests and alpine pastures
Montchavin-Les Coches is surrounded by forest. Lac des Pierres Blanches is a summer hiking destination accessible from Montchavin-Les Coches. Vallée des Bauches is also highlighted as a summer hiking destination. There, remarkable alpine chalets stand along a stream. The landscapes offer different features: the lake is the main hiking destination, while the valley is characterised by its stream and alpine chalets.
Another destination is the panorama at Retenue des Pierres Blanches: in summer, it can be reached on foot from Les Bauches or Plan Bois. These routes are described as summer options; access may vary depending on lift and trail conditions. When planning outings, you can therefore choose between the lake, the valley and the panorama, without treating the routes as alike.
Guided activities and family offerings
At Up & Go Park in Les Coches, guided electric scooter tours are available; availability may be seasonal. The park has 101 stations across six varied family courses, as well as a separate course for young children with 26 stations. There is also a climbing activity, suitable for families with children aged 12 months and older. The activities described and their seasonal operation may vary.
The Bureau Montagne et Nature of Plagne Montchavin Les Coches accompanies visitors year-round on hikes, via ferrata, mountaineering and climbing activities. Some activities may be seasonal. In summer, the Bureau also offers “Natur’Découverte” as a family activity. This provides a choice of different formats: independent summer hiking destinations and activities accompanied by a provider.
At Univers chiens nordiques in Evolution 2’s Tipi Village, visitors can explore trails laid by dogs, join guided dog hikes and visit a kennel. The seasonal programme and its availability may change. The introductory dog hike “Cani balade Découverte” lasts one hour and 30 minutes. It includes a briefing and approximately one hour of hiking pulled by dogs. The duration is provided by the operator and may change.
Winter trails and snowshoeing
The Les Coches–Plan Bois ski touring trail starts at the top station of the Les Coches gondola and climbs to the hamlet of L’Orgère. Its availability in winter depends on snow and safety conditions. The Sentier des Frasses can be explored on foot or on cross-country skis; it runs towards the Plan Bois and Plagne Bellecôte plateau. In winter, grooming and access may vary. The two trails therefore differ both in how they are travelled and in the destinations described.
Another guided option is the snowshoe hike “À la découverte de Montchavin et des Coches en raquettes”. It passes through forests and clearings, and by chalets around Montchavin and Les Coches. The tour is offered as a seasonal, bookable experience; dates may change. In winter, you can choose between a ski touring trail, a route that can be explored on cross-country skis, and a guided snowshoe hike, each with a different type of route.
More information for your stay
Espace Paradisio is the water and wellness complex serving the Montchavin-Les Coches area. Check the current offerings before visiting. The season and specific conditions are relevant to other activities: Télécabine timetables may vary, and the programme or availability of individual activities may change. This makes it possible to choose a stay in Les Coches based on your preferred summer or winter activities.
Discover more destinations: La Bâthie, Grésy-Sur-Isère, Saint-Pierre-De-Genebroz, Voglans, Saint-Oyen, Lescheraines, La Motte-Servolex, Pugny-Chatenod
See the regional travel overview: Savoie.
