Øyvind Kirkhus Lands World’s First Switch Backside Quad 1620 at Swatch Nines 2025

ØYVIND KIRKHUS MAKES HISTORY AT SWATCH NINES WITH SWITCH BACKSIDE QUAD 1620

The 17th edition of Swatch Nines wrapped up in Switzerland with a bang—literally—thanks to a groundbreaking feat by Norwegian snowboarder Øyvind Kirkhus, who landed the world’s first-ever switch backside quad 1620. Hosted once again on the cinematic slopes of Schilthorn, this week-long celebration of ski and snowboard progression was an adrenaline-fueled blend of creativity, camaraderie, and boundary-pushing tricks.

A Playground for Progression

Swatch Nines Snow 2025 was built to inspire. With a colossal Big Air jump and a diverse mix of creative snow features, the setup invited elite riders to push the envelope. True to the event’s DNA, the week wasn’t just about higher spins or more flips—it was about style, expression, and community.

And the riders delivered.

Trick Highlights from Swatch Nines 2025

• Øyvind Kirkhus (SNB, NOR): World’s first switch backside quad 1620
• Luca Harrington (SKI, NZL): Switch triple cork 1980 Esco – landed for only the third time in skiing history
• Vincent Veile (SKI, GER): Quad cork 1800, making him the first German to land the trick
• Teardrop Rail Madness: Eye-popping sessions from Mia Brookes, Max Moffatt, Lyon Farrell, and Kirsty Muir

Peer-Voted Rider Awards

The Gala Night on 12 April saw riders celebrating each other with peer-voted honors—making the accolades all the more meaningful.

• MVP Men: Lyon Farrell (SNB, NZL)
• MVP Women: Anouk Andraska (SKI, SUI)
• Creative Edge: Patrick Hofmann (SNB, SUI)
• New Nine: Luca Harrington (SKI, NZL)
• Best Trick – SNB Men: Øyvind Kirkhus, switch backside quad 1620 Indy
• Best Trick – SNB Women: Mia Brookes, cab 900 tail to 50-50
• Best Trick – SKI Men: Jay Rawe, cork 360 to 50-50
• Best Trick – SKI Women: Kirsty Muir, backflip to rail

What the Riders Had to Say

“It felt unreal riding away from it… I didn’t think I’d actually manage to do it, but I did.”

Øyvind Kirkhus, on landing his historic trick

“The Nines is something really special… You can pursue your biggest goals and still have fun with people who genuinely love what they do.”

Lyon Farrell, MVP

“Everyone is so supportive… The whole environment is so good for sending it.”

Kirsty Muir, Best Trick SKI Women

More Than Just a Session

Swatch Nines 2025 proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events in action sports. It’s not a competition—it’s a canvas. A platform for athletes to showcase their unique styles, push personal limits, and celebrate the essence of freestyle culture.

From world-firsts to heartfelt peer recognition, the week was a stunning reminder of what makes skiing and snowboarding so electrifying.

Swatch Nines continues to redefine the future of freestyle. And with riders like Øyvind Kirkhus leading the charge, that future looks sky-high.