Swatch Nines Recap
The much-anticipated debut of Swatch Nines in Japan has concluded in a flurry of style, flow and creative expression, as a global mix of skiers and snowboarders explored the limitless possibilities of the massive event setup at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu.
Photo by Jannis Oing
Set against the distinctive backdrop of Niseko’s iconic Mount Yotei, this year’s event leaned into the core of what defines Swatch Nines: bringing together different styles and personalities in a format that encourages riders to feed off each other and explore the setup in their own way. With sessions evolving day by day, the focus shifted toward creativity, interpretation and finding new lines across this year’s versatile, flowy course.
Gen Sasaki. Photo by Jonas Gasser
Throughout the week, riding unfolded in a steady rhythm of sessions, shaped in part by challenging weather conditions. Each day brought new lines, fresh takes and bold interpretations as riders made the most of every weather window, from rail-focused laps to ambitious transfers and creative feature combinations. The sessions were built on style, expression and shared energy.
Madeleine Disbrowe. Photo by Jonas Gasser
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Jay Rawe. Photo by Ethan Stone
• Jay Rawe (USA) landed a never-been-done flair on a sit-ski on the massive quarterpipe
• Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN) sent a gorgeous McTwist method on his signature quarterpipe feature
• Elena Gaskell (SKI, CAN) served up a 1080 mute and Cool Wakushima (SNB, NZL) landed a backside 900 mute on the main jump
• Huge triple corks on the jump from Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN), Dylan Deschamps (SKI, CAN) and Lucas Ball (SKI, NZL)
• Genre-bending trampoline stuntsmanship from Jesper Tjäder (SKI, SWE) and Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN)
Dylan Deschamps. Photo by Jonas Gasser
RIDER AWARDS: THE BEST OF SWATCH NINES 2026
Photo by Isami Kiyooka
On Saturday, all of the invited riders and media convened at the Swatch Nines Gala Night to celebrate the week’s best performers. As always, the awards were voted by the riders themselves, making each title a true reflection of peer recognition.
Photo by Jonas Gasser
• MVP Women: Cool Wakushima (SNB, NZL)
• MVP Men: Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN) & Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN)
• New Nine: Lane Weaver
• The Tube Award: Romain Allemand (SNB, FRA)
• Best Trick - SNB Men: Lane Weaver, front flip in to double front flip out on the Berg trampoline
• Best Trick - SNB Women: Cool Wakushima, back 900 mute
• Best Trick - SKI Men: Gen Sasaki (JPN), triple backflip
• Best Trick - SKI Women: Elena Gaskell (CAN), 1080 mute
Photo by Ethan Stone
Stay tuned for more content output on Swatch Nines, and for more information on the event, visit thenines.cc.