The public day is set, the rider’s list is stacked and anticipation is high as the latest incarnation of the Nines franchise approaches
In less than two weeks, the Swatch Nines presented by Falken makes its debut on the Schilthorn above the town of Mürren, Switzerland. From the 17th to the 22nd of April 2023, the slopes of this idyllic Swiss ski resort will transform into a fantasyland of futuristic snowpark design and cutting-edge snow sports creativity. Here’s the latest from the world of Swatch Nines.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: PUBLIC DAY ON THE 22nd OF APRIL
After a three-year pandemic pause, Swatch Nines is glad to finally welcome the public back for onsite spectating in 2023. On Saturday, the 22nd of April, the Public Day welcomes all comers for a day of unforgettable action. A Schilthorn-Piz Gloria ski pass (available at https://shop.schilthorn.ch/skipaesse) is all that’s needed to watch the Nines in person. The action starts at 11:00am and continues throughout the day. The venue is accessible only with skis or snowboard (no foot traffic). More information about the Public Day is available on the Nines website www.thenines.cc.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SWATCH NINES COURSE DESIGN
A newly released video illuminates the design process behind the most creative and visually spectacular setup in snow sports. Months before the first rider drops in, the Nines team—in close coordination with leading snowpark builders and athletes—is hard at work conceptualizing the setup. Watch as athletes like Max Moffatt, Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf, Olivia Asselin and Jesper Tjäder convene at Nines headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria to help plan this year’s venue. “Designing Swatch Nines” is playing now on Red Bull TV.
SNEAK PEEK: COURSE RENDERS RELEASED
The 2023 setup continues the evolution of Swatch Nines features in the direction of more organic shapes. The first feature is a big jump that includes a bewildering number of takeoffs expanding in all directions in the horizontal as well as the vertical plane. Nicknamed the “Formation Feature,” it’s perfect for putting multiple riders in the air at once.
Lower in the venue, an innovative multi-purpose feature combines tunnels, domes and a complete skate bowl into an incredibly versatile package. Expect the unexpected from this amorphous feature as riders seek new lines and combinations from among the near-infinite possibilities. The full Swatch Nines course renders are viewable now on the Swatch Nines YouTube and Instagram.
Unfortunately, the second feature seen in the 3D renders will not be built due to a lack of available snow. The Swatch Nines organization is extremely thankful for the efforts of the team at the Schilthorn to collect the snow needed to build the first and third features despite a low snow year.
CONTEST GREATS AND CORE DARLINGS: RIDERS LIST UPDATES
While the setup may steal the spotlight, the true strength of Swatch Nines lies within its people. Each year the event convenes a star-studded cast of talented individuals from across the spectrum of snow sports. 2023 is no different, with a diverse crew ranging from Olympic champions to underground favorites confirmed to attend.
On the women’s side, contest greats like Anna Gasser (AUT, SNB) and Tess Ledeux (FRA, SKI) will mingle with stylish up-and-comers like Mia Brookes (GBR, SNB) and Olivia Asselin (CAN, SKI). For the men, Jesper Tjäder (SWE, SKI) and Dusty Hendrickson (USA, SNB) rank among the headliners, while fan favorites like Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf (NOR, SNB) and Magnus Granér (SWE, SKI) will add their unique flavor.
Of course, the Swiss are well represented on their home turf: Andri Ragettli (SUI, SKI), Mathilde Gremaud (SUI, SKI), Sarah Hoefflin (SUI, SKI), Pat Burgener (SUI, SNB) and Patrick Hofmann (SUI, SNB) have all confirmed their attendance. A handful of special guests from across the action-sports world, like skateboarders Andy Andersson, Madars Apse and Mami Tezuka as well as MTBers Sam Pilgrim and Erik Fedko, will also join in the action. The complete riders’ list is available on the Swatch Nines website https://www.thenines.cc/riders.
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