Swatch Nines Lands in Japan for the First Time

For the first time in its history, the legendary freeski and snowboard event Swatch Nines will cross continents to land in Japan. The event will take place from April 6 to 11, 2026 at the Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU resort, on the island of Hokkaido, one of the country's most iconic snow destinations.

The announcement, made by Swatch in an official statement, marks a significant step in the global expansion of the event, known for its spectacular jumps, futuristic-inspired structures, and the creation of new tricks that make history in snow sports.

In this edition, X Games medalist snowboarder Kaishu Hirano will participate in the circuit design alongside some of the most prominent figures on the international scene. As in previous editions, the space will combine snowpark and skatepark elements, allowing skiers, snowboarders, and skaters to share terrain in the same creative experience.

Although invited athletes have not yet been confirmed, the organization announced that more details about the format and participants will be revealed soon. True to its spirit, Swatch Nines is not a traditional competition, but an experimental gathering where riders explore the limits of the sport, generating images and videos that define the aesthetic of contemporary freeski.

Since its creation over a decade ago — then under the name Suzuki Nine Knights — the event has evolved to include summer versions of mountain biking and surfing, without losing its essence: bringing together the best athletes in unique environments to create iconic content and redefine what's possible on snow.

With its arrival in Japan, Swatch Nines 2026 promises to merge alpine culture with Japanese aesthetics in a setting that promises to be as visual as it is innovative.