Published: Mar 4, 2026
My name is Mike Aigroz, I am a Norrøna Ambassador and I live in Fruence Switzerland, a small village close to Préalpes. Join me for a day out on the ground and in the air.
I am a passionate lover of outdoor sports and as a general rule, the longer the activity it is, the better! As a former professional triathlete of the mythical Ironman distances, I now practice trail running in order to move faster in the mountains. To add to the "fun" side to my activities, I often fly down from the summits.
Welcome to my practice!
My passion is a very "Instagramable" discipline and is growing in popularity in the Alps. As always, there are several ways to practice it. Mine is more of a Hike (Fast) and Fly (Smart) method. I don't compete. But I love to challenge myself on the D+ parts and enjoy the view in flight.
Before each outing, I check the weather, especially the wind (strength and direction) which is the main danger not visible to the pilot. As a general rule, morning or evening flights are the safest with the added bonus of the beautiful lighting.
Depending on the weather information I’ve gathered for that specific day, I choose the route. I prepare my equipment diligently and choose the appropriate gear for my objective feeling light hearted at the thought of rapid movement. Be careful not to underestimate the clothing for the flight part. The speed, as well as the "static" position, can surprise you.
Mike's favorites
It is also important to clearly identify the landing zone and its dangers, checking if there are any obstacles before starting a nice walk/run in the mountains. In my region, the good spots offer us outdoor enthusiasts a 1500m of elevation gain. This allows me to maintain a good pace until the summit so I don’t miss the sunrise (or sunset). Once the harder uphill part is over, I like to take the time to admire nature and refuel, never stressing about taking off in the mountains. I take the needed time to check the weather again, and ensure that all the parameters are correct before sending myself into the air for a moment of pure pleasure. The absolute dream.
In Switzerland, you need a license for the regulatory part of free flight. It is necessary to respect certain flight restrictions, and above all, to respect the environment and the fauna that surrounds us.
Finally, the most important thing is to never overestimate yourself! It is better to run back down the mountain than to risk an accident!
