Is this the most creative Swatch Nines setup yet?

By: Scott Naismith April 03, 2025

With only a few short days until Swatch Nines returns to Schilthorn, the build crew have been working around the clock to prepare the most creative setup yet. From the 7-12 April, the world’s best skiers will return to the the sleepy Swiss alpine village of Mürren for a weeklong session on one of the most ambitious park setups to date. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store.

When dreams... UNRD Aesthetics

...become reality. Richard Bath / @killerclip

The Big Jump: Transitions for days

The heart of the setup is a classic Big Air jump—a return to “normalcy” after last year’s “Perfect Hip.”

Of course, “normal” is a relative term, and by just about anyone’s standards there’s nothing normal about this booter. The main booter is tailor-made as a progression platform, and services a rounded landing with transitions on all sides. It’s also flanked by volcano-style takeoffs on either side.

Long story short, there’s about a million different possible takeoff-to-landing combinations on this beast. It’s going to get hectic out there—knuckle campers beware.

It's not easy to convey digitally how big the setups at the Nines really are. This thing is not small. Richard Bath / @killerclip

Two Swiss creative masterminds, Sämi Ortlieb and Nico Vuignier, have been heavily involved in the design of this year’s setup. Most of the top features are Sämi’s inventions.

“I am really hyped on the setup this year,” said Nines founder Nico Zacek. “It’s truly designed by the riders more than ever. There are a lot of really talented people out there who deserve a chance to design features for Swatch Nines, and this year that was mainly Nico and Sämi. These two have really given it everything they have, and they did an amazing job.”

On the left side: the split wave, the full pipe and the jib canyon. UNRD Aesthetics

At the top of the venue, a very surfy-looking “split wave” kicks off the party. It’s reminiscent of last year’s channel gap at the same location in the setup, but with a more organic shape that channels (literally?) the Nines’ ambitious breakthrough into surfing last last October.

The Insta 360 Full Pipe is essentially a tunnel to a down rail. At first glance it might seem like a gimmick feature, but take a closer look. Sämi’s creation makes transfers onto the rail possible from nearly every angle—even, in theory, upside down. This one’s going to be a tough nut to crack, but if it rides as designed, it could yield some wild results.

The Full Pipe is followed by another of Sämi’s ideas, a kind of a Jib Canyon with a variety of urban-inspired combos, including a ledge on the wall. Rail to wall to rail transfers? Let the jibbing begin.

On the right side, one of the setup’s more unorthodox shapes rears its unruly head: a flowy Double Roller, complete with a halfpipe side hit and a rainbow rail for good measure. In a park that’s already pretty mind-boggling, this one’s kind of a mystery feature, harboring options that are hard to grasp entirely.

Everyone loves tunnels, right? Richard Bath / @killerclip

It’s pretty wild getting some pictures via WhatsApp every other day and seeing the progress as features that started as hand-drawn sketches slowly come to life. I’m so excited to go up there this week and help with the last finishing touches.

Sämi Ortlieb

This bowled out double hip offers more transition than should be possible in three dimensions. Mathematicians are stumped. UNRD Aesthetics

The lower part of the setup was mostly Nico Vuignier’s work. The signature piece down here is a very unique double hip with a bowl in the middle. This mad flight of fancy is a wilderness of transitions—better bring your compass so you don’t get lost.

Left and right at the bottom are two nipple-shaped features that pay tribute to a classic Helsinki street spot. Vuignier made his own contribution with two huge round mirrors, 5 meters in diameter, that will have the photographers scrambling for the artsy shots. You’ll probably be able to cook bratwursts in the reflection of these bad boys.

Last but not least, check out the Geilo rail, a one-to-one remake of the feature that got absolutely destroyed by Mikkel BK, Fridge Tischendorf and others in Norway last spring. This might be the most progression-friendly gap to rail setup imaginable. If Nines nails the build, expect the trick bags to be unpacked at this location.

The setup from below. Richard Bath / @killerclip

It’s an honor to design features for Swatch Nines because it’s probably the only event with this level of construction and talent involved. It’s always insane to be able to design something and have it built by the best in the world, then ridden by the best riders in the world.

Nico Vuignier

Now ain't that a beautiful sight. Rails and Nines have never been the best combination—will this year break the trend? UNRD Aesthetics

The Riders Roster

Unsurprisingly, the very best talent from across the spectrum of skiing have been invited again this year. The riders list is stacked with the biggest names in competitive big air skiing with the likes of Luca Harrington, Sarah Hoefflin, Birk Ruud, Megan Oldham and the Tabanelli siblings all on the list, just to name a few. With what will be a perfect jump and a relaxed anti-contest atmosphere, the riders will have the perfect environment to push themselves and the sport to new heights.

Just like the set up, the riders list is not only focused on future spin aficionados – some of the most creative and “core” skiers in the scene are also on the list. The antithesis of FIS sanctioned events, the Buldoz Crew, have been invited and will no doubt interpret the curves and transitions that Sämi has designed with their signature unique outlook.

Having won our Become A Nine contest on Instagram, Anouk Andraska and Gian Andri Bolinger will join the rest of the riders for what will be an unforgettable week.

As impressive as this setup might appear on your phone screen, trust us—it’s more impressive in person. If you’re able to get to Schilthorn on Saturday, 12 April for the Swatch Nines Public Day, you can watch the final day of riding. Spectating is free with a lift ticket, so zip on up with the brand-new gondola to experience the very unique event that is Swatch Nines for yourself!