SWATCH NINES PREVIEW
One week from today, from April 9th - 13th, Swatch Nines will take over the slopes of Schilthorn, Switzerland for a session of the superlative variety. Top athletes from across the spectrum of freestyle skiing and snowboarding will take part in sky-high sessions on this year’s monumental hip feature, while a public day invites all comers to witness the action in person.
Here’s all you need to know as the countdown to Swatch Nines 2024 begins…
PUBLIC DAY: SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH
Mark your calendars: On Saturday, the 13th of April, the general public is invited to experience Swatch Nines for themselves. Visitors are guaranteed a day to remember as the stars of the Nines athlete roster put on a show. The Public Day is free to attend with a Schilthorn ski pass, available here, for skiers and snowboarders only—no foot traffic allowed.
3D RENDERS REVEALED: FEAST YOUR EYES ON THE 2024 SWATCH NINES SETUP
The centrepiece of this year’s setup is the “Perfect Hip 2.0.” Designed to send riders sky-high, this 20-meter-high colossus features seven different takeoff options. But that’s not all: Above the hip a unique feature nicknamed “The Portal” offers a variety of unconventional transitions, while below the hip a veritable playground of features awaits with bowls, tunnels, volcanoes, gaps and other playful possibilities.
RIDERS’ ROSTER: AN ECLECTIC MIX OF WORLD-CLASS TALENT
A crack team of riders from around the globe has been assembled to test the limits of this year’s setup. The roster includes snowboard royalty such as Anna Gasser (AUT), Valentino Guseli (AUS) and Markus Kleveland (NOR), while among the skiers Sarah Hoefflin (SUI), Alex Hall (USA) and Nico Porteous (NZL) will be in attendance.
BECOME A NINE: THESE FOUR WILDCARDS WILL JOIN THE CREW
Each year the Become A Nines video contest offers unknown or up-and-coming riders the chance to join this exclusive session. Hosted in collaboration with Method Mag and Downdays, this year’s contest has once again revealed the amazing depth of talent in freestyle snowsports. For the snowboarders, Leilani Ettel (GER) and Vlad Kahadrin will join the party, while Flora Tabanelli (ITA) and Juho Saastamoinen (FIN) will join the skiers.
For more information on the Swatch Nines, visit thenines.cc.