World’s Best Riders Go OFF in Japan ?? Swatch Nines Snow 2026. Video Highlights

April 18th, 2026

Mountainwatch | Press release

Swatch Nines for 2026 has officially carved its mark in the snow, with  a historic debut in Japan, the first time the event has. been held outside Europe . Held between 6 and 11 April, in Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, one of Japan’s largest and most diverse ski resorts, the event will be remembered as one of the standout editions, packed with next-level progression delivered by world-class athletes.
Photo: Theo Acworth
From standout runs to unforgettable moments, top athletes pushed the limits on the one‑of‑a‑kind course[SK1] which was designed with direct input from top riders, including Swatch Proteam athletes Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN) and Jesper Tjäder (SKI, SWE).
Event highlights included:
  • Sitskier Jay Rawe (SKI, USA), who stomped a never-been-done flair on the quarterpipe.
  • Kaishu and Ayumu Hirano (SNB, JPN), Takeru Otsuka (SNB, JPN), Miyabi Onitsuka (SNB, JPN), Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN) and others lighting up the course with a blend of technicality and effortless style.
  • Max Moffatt (SKI, CAN), Elena Gaskell (SKI, CAN) and Jesper Tjäder (SKI, SWE) unlocking creative lines and delivering clean hits throughout the sessions.
  • Huge triple corks on the jump from Hiroto Ogiwara (SNB, JPN), Dylan Deschamps (SKI, CAN) and Lucas Ball (SKI, NZL).
  • Kaishu Hirano (SNB, JPN) sending a gorgeous McTwist Method on his signature quarterpipe feature.
  • Genre-bending trampoline stuntsmanship from Jesper Tjäder (SKI, SWE) and Lane Weaver (SNB, CAN).
  • Elena Gaskell (SKI, CAN) serving up a 1080 Mute and Cool Wakushima (SNB, NZL) landing a Back 900 Mute on the main jump.

 

Photo:Theo Acworth

ABOUT SWATCH NINES

Swatch Nines was founded in 2008 as a friendly antagonist to traditional contest structures. The event series provides unique playgrounds for action sports athletes to progress their skills as safely as possible in a non-competitive setting, while collaborating with a dedicated team of filmers and photographers to capture unforgettable moments.  Head to the Nines site for more videos and information on this year’s event.