Swatch Nines Trailer
In a month, Swatch Nines opens an ambitious new chapter with its debut event in Japan. The 18th edition of the Nines snow event will take place at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, a legendary snow sports hotspot, located on the island of Hokkaido.
What To Know:
• Event Dates: April 6th - 11th, 2026
• Public Day: Saturday, April 11th
• Location: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Japan
• Setup: A snow & skate hybrid, featuring a 50-metre rail, flow features and a big air jump
• 50+ invited riders
The Setup: Enter The Flow State
The snow’s been deep in Japan this winter, and it’s time to unveil what Swatch Nines has planned for the resorts ample snow base.
This year’s course blends disciplines in true Nines fashion. From the fully integrated skate pavilion with features that are rideable by skateboards, skis or snowboards, to the 50-meter rail, to the big air jump and the numerous flow features, the setup offers a groundbreaking platform for creativity, progression and fun.
“We want to diversify and push skiing and snowboarding in as many directions as possible, and that is where the Nines comes in with an annual, long-standing progression session. Not only pushing trick progression but also exploring park and feature design with new ideas. And that’s what makes me most excited about this year’s set up. Especially with the “curly bracket” and a 50 meters long PVC spine with parallel running rollers—something I haven’t seen in this form before. It’s super fun exploring creative park design when you are catering for world class riders.” —Sämi Ortlieb, course designer (SKI, SUI)
Photo by Klaus Polzer
Designed By Riders
The setup design process began in October 2025 when riders convened for a Creators Cabin workshop in Niseko attended by Jesper Tjäder (SWE), Kaishu Hirano (JPN), Cool Wakushima (NZL), Sämi Ortlieb (SUI), Yurin Fuji (JPN) and Takeru Otsuka (JPN). Many of the concepts developed during that session now shape the final course design.
“In this year’s course, I’m looking forward to riding the big air features the most, for sure. That scale is something you only really get at Nines, and I feel like it’s where I can express my style the most. I’m excited to see how far I can push myself out there. And of course, the new skatepark they introduced this year! I actually started out skating and I still love it. I’ve got a lot of friends from the skate scene, so the fact that Nines is bringing skateboarding into the mix is just such a cool move. That definitely gets me hyped.” —Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN)
“I’m looking forward to being able to session in the same space with riders from all over the world — a space that normally would not exist. I’m really looking forward to challenging myself in new ways while pushing each other and getting inspired together.” —Yurin Fuji (SKT, JPN)
Public Day – April 11
Swatch Nines is excited to share its unique vibe with a brand-new audience in Japan. The Public Day is set for Saturday, 11 April, when general public is invited to watch the action in person. The Public Day is a rare opportunity to observe snow sports progression in real time and experience this one-of-a-kind event setup in person. Spectating is free with a valid Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu lift pass.
For more information and updates on Swatch Nines, visit thenines.cc and/or @thenines.cc.