I am now in Chamonix, a week before MCMSki IV. The town is packed with tourists from all over Europe, English being the dominant language. There is not much snow so far, even though some runs reach town. (I did ski in the nearby Les Houches today and the red runs were either icy or very thin, with stones and grass showing here and there…) Since the town is quite pricey in comparison with other French ski resorts, esp. in terms of rental, let me point out the special store of Technique Extrême, with very low rates, located a few blocks away from the conference centre. I am currently trying to see whether or not we could get special rates for the daily passes.