Norwegian snowboarder Oyvind Kirkhus made history over the last week at Switzerland's Swatch Nines by landing the world's first switch backside quad 1620, a gravity-defying maneuver that left even its creator in disbelief.
Norwegian snowboarder Oyvind Kirkhus made history over the last week at Switzerland's Swatch Nines by landing the world's first switch backside quad 1620, a gravity-defying maneuver that left even its creator in disbelief.
Big changes are coming to tourists who want to visit Japan. Credit: Peter Murphy / SkiJapan For years, Japan has been a bucket-list destination for skiers and snowboarders around the world, offering legendary powder, stunning alpine vistas, and a unique blend of culture and hospitality. But if Japan’s slopes have been on your radar, 2026 may be your best chance to enjoy them under the current conditions. Starting in mid-2025, a series of sweeping tourism reforms will begin to take effect, reshaping how international visitors experience the country, particularly its famed winter resorts like Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen. With