On Wednesday, April 6, Ogiwara headed to the mountain planning to try a backside 1800, a trick he’d struggled to land the day before. “After my first hit, I thought the jump was perfect and I could go for the 1800,” said the young snowboarder from Ushiku, Japan. “When I landed the 18, I realized I still had some time left over, so I thought, ‘Maybe I can go for it [the 2160].”

After five attempts, Ogiwara landed snowboarding’s first-ever backside 2160. “On the last try, the takeoff felt so good and everything in the air was right, so I knew I had it,” said Ogiwara. “The instant I landed it, I was kind of shocked and and wasn’t sure if I’d actually done it. I watched the video and was stoked and surprised to see that I had actually spun six full rotations!”

Ogiwara’s groundbreaking trick was one of many memorable moments from the 2022 edition of The Nines, a biannual “progression session” that alternates between winter and summer events with the goal of fostering creativity and achievement in action sports. The event concluded on Friday, April 8 with a Gala Night where the week’s top performers—men and women, skiers and snowboarders—were honored by their peers in the categories of Best Trick, Best Style and Ruler Of The Week.
 

The action at The Nines centers around the event venue, a meticulously planned private snowpark including a wide variety of features designed to challenge and inspire the invited riders. This year’s edition included a aassive big-air jump with additional bowl features, a mushroom-shaped obstacle called “The Sphere” and an innovative “Downward Spiral” inspired by skateboarding. It’s unique and eye-catching creations like these that attract a diverse roster of international talent in skiing and snowboarding to the event each year. During bad-weather days, riders took advantage of local facilities like the Alaïa Bay surf pool in nearby Sion, making for a nonstop program of activities throughout the week.

From top international stars like Marcus Kleveland (NOR) and Laurie Blouin (CAN) to beloved scene favorites like Fridtjof “Fridge” Tischendorf (NOR) and Annika Morgan (GER), snowboarders made an indelible mark on the 2022 Nines. Japanese rider Reira Iwabuchi joined her countryman Hiroto Ogiwara in the “world’s first” club with her own never-been-done trick, a frontside triple 1260, while other established and up-and-coming riders like Valentino Guseli (AUS), Judd Henkes (USA), Luke Winkelmann (USA) and 15-year-old Mia Brookes (GBR) strengthened their claims to stardom with standout performances. Even skiers got on the action, with Olympic Big Air gold medalist Birk Ruud (NOR) swapping his skis for a snowboard to land a backside triple 1440.

“I landed my first 1260, which I was pretty hyped about. That was probably my favorite part of the week.” - Mia Brookes (SNB, GBR)

“Each year I think that we can’t possibly push things any further, and each year the riders prove me wrong,” said event founder Nico Zacek. “I’m continually in awe of what these athletes bring to the table, and glad that our event is able to help them push the sport to new levels.”

Riders Awards - The Nines 2022

Snowboard Women

• Best Trick: Reira Iwabuchi (JPN) (Front Triple 1260)
• Best Style: Mia Brookes (GBR)
• Ruler Of The Week: Mia Brookes (GBR)

Snowboard Men

• Best Trick: Hiroto Ogiwara (JPN) (Backside 2160 Indy Tailbone)
• Best Style: Luke Winkelmann (USA)
• Ruler Of The Week: Valentino Guseli (AUS)