World's Top Athletes Gather at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu: Swatch Nines Snow 2026 Rider Lineup Announced
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu will host the world-class action sports event 'Swatch Nines Snow 2026', marking its first appearance in Asia.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
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Tokyu Land Corporation and Tokyu Resorts & Stays Co., Ltd. have announced the full lineup of riders for 'Swatch Nines Snow 2026,' one of the world's premier action sports events, to be held at their all-season international mountain resort, 'Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu.' This marks the first time the event will be held in Asia.
The event is co-organized by The Nines AG, Machi no Mirai Co., Ltd., and The Small Things Co., Ltd., and will take place over six days from April 6 (Mon) to April 11 (Sat), 2026. Previously held in international snow resorts like those in Switzerland, this event will feature over 50 invited riders, including medalists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The final day, April 11 (Sat), will be a 'Public Day,' allowing any guest at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu to watch the event.
■ Top Domestic Athletes Gather
As the first Asian edition of Swatch Nines Snow, the lineup is heavily focused on the Asian region, with many Milano Olympic representatives, including Japanese athletes, confirmed to participate.
From the men's snowboarding side, 8 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, including Ayumu Hirano, a three-time consecutive Olympic halfpipe medalist and icon of Japanese snowboarding; Ryusei Yamada, a Milano Olympic halfpipe bronze medalist; and Taiga Hasegawa, a slopestyle silver medalist.
From the women's snowboarding side, 6 Japanese riders are scheduled, including Kokomo Murase, a Milano Olympic Big Air gold medalist, and Mari Fukada, a slopestyle gold medalist.
Furthermore, representing local Niseko skiers, Gen Sasaki, a former national team member for ski slopestyle and big air, and Tenran Katsuno, who placed 5th in the FIS Freeride World Championships in February 2026, are also scheduled to participate.
*Please note that the rider list may change due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances.
Regarding the course setup, there will be some changes due to logistics; instead of a skatepark section, an iconic section centered around 'Mini Mt. Yotei' will be featured.
■ About the Public Day
To share the unique world of Swatch Nines with a new Japanese audience, a Public Day will be held on April 11 (Sat). Guests can experience the evolution of snow sports in real-time. Viewing is free for those with a Grand Hirafu lift ticket.
Schedule:
11:00–12:30 Warm-up
13:30–15:00 Public Session (with DJ/MC)
■ About Swatch Nines Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Swatch Nines is a 'friendly outsider' in the competitive sports world. It is a next-generation entertainment event that focuses on 'showing off' creativity rather than 'competing' for rankings, attracting top athletes and filmmakers worldwide. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, located in Kutchan, Hokkaido, has been contributing to the promotion of snow culture and the international brand value of Niseko for over 40 years.
The event is co-organized by The Nines AG, Machi no Mirai Co., Ltd., and The Small Things Co., Ltd., and will take place over six days from April 6 (Mon) to April 11 (Sat), 2026. Previously held in international snow resorts like those in Switzerland, this event will feature over 50 invited riders, including medalists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The final day, April 11 (Sat), will be a 'Public Day,' allowing any guest at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu to watch the event.
■ Top Domestic Athletes Gather
As the first Asian edition of Swatch Nines Snow, the lineup is heavily focused on the Asian region, with many Milano Olympic representatives, including Japanese athletes, confirmed to participate.
From the men's snowboarding side, 8 Japanese riders are scheduled to participate, including Ayumu Hirano, a three-time consecutive Olympic halfpipe medalist and icon of Japanese snowboarding; Ryusei Yamada, a Milano Olympic halfpipe bronze medalist; and Taiga Hasegawa, a slopestyle silver medalist.
From the women's snowboarding side, 6 Japanese riders are scheduled, including Kokomo Murase, a Milano Olympic Big Air gold medalist, and Mari Fukada, a slopestyle gold medalist.
Furthermore, representing local Niseko skiers, Gen Sasaki, a former national team member for ski slopestyle and big air, and Tenran Katsuno, who placed 5th in the FIS Freeride World Championships in February 2026, are also scheduled to participate.
*Please note that the rider list may change due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances.
Regarding the course setup, there will be some changes due to logistics; instead of a skatepark section, an iconic section centered around 'Mini Mt. Yotei' will be featured.
■ About the Public Day
To share the unique world of Swatch Nines with a new Japanese audience, a Public Day will be held on April 11 (Sat). Guests can experience the evolution of snow sports in real-time. Viewing is free for those with a Grand Hirafu lift ticket.
Schedule:
11:00–12:30 Warm-up
13:30–15:00 Public Session (with DJ/MC)
■ About Swatch Nines Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Swatch Nines is a 'friendly outsider' in the competitive sports world. It is a next-generation entertainment event that focuses on 'showing off' creativity rather than 'competing' for rankings, attracting top athletes and filmmakers worldwide. Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, located in Kutchan, Hokkaido, has been contributing to the promotion of snow culture and the international brand value of Niseko for over 40 years.
FAQ
Can anyone watch the Swatch Nines Snow 2026?
Yes, the Public Day on April 11 is open to anyone with a Grand Hirafu lift ticket for free.
Where is the event held?
It will be held at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu in Kutchan, Hokkaido.
What kind of athletes will participate?
Over 50 top international athletes, including Milan Olympic medalists like Ayumu Hirano and Kokomo Murase, are scheduled to participate.