Ski Touring in Switzerland with Salomon Freeski

Ignore the gap in age, and Mike Douglas and Alexi Godbout have a few things in common. Both talented and respected skiers, they’ve each become increasingly interested in the backcountry over the years. Though Mike’s been considered a big mountain legend for years now, 24-year-old Alexi has only recently made the transition into the backcountry as career-jolting knee injuries slowed down his slopestyle ascension. 

Together, the two took on the Swiss Alps in a technique neither was very familiar with: ski touring. Strewn throughout the Urner Alps are chalet-style huts, complete with fireplaces, beds and cooking caretakers. In theory, skiers are able to link up multiple huts as they ski and skin from one Swiss town to another. A heavy storm cycle meant the Salomon freeskiers had to adjust their plans, but they still clocked some incredible shots—all while enjoying the slow, methodical pace of ski touring.