Yuki Kadono: From Japan’s Hills to Jackson’s Peaks

To read this interview in Japanese, click here. | このインタビューを日本語で読むには、こちらをクリックしてください。

Nate: Yuki, thanks for taking the time to chat today! To kick things off, can you share a bit about your background—where you’re from and how you got into snowboarding?

Yuki: Of course! I’m from Hyogo, Japan, which is right by Osaka. It’s a lot like Jackson in some ways—there’s a lot of forest and countryside—but we didn’t have real mountains or much snow. My dad’s hobby was snowboarding, and when I first saw him doing it, I was like, “what is that?” He didn’t explain anything—he just took me to a tiny hill with man-made snow. That’s where it all started. I loved it immediately.

Nate: That’s such a cool beginning. How did your snowboarding progress from there?

Yuki: At first, I was just riding indoors. Japan has lots of indoor resorts, so I’d practice there in the summer and ride in the mountains on weekends during winter. By the time I was 11 or 12, I was practicing tricks on an airbag jump during the summers. That’s where I met other riders, started filming, and eventually got noticed by sponsors. When I was 14, I won the biggest contest in Japan, and that was life-changing—I got paid for the first time. After that, I was invited to international contests by Ride and later sponsored by Red Bull when I was 16. At 19, I landed the quad 1980, which was a huge moment in my career because that trick had never been done before.

Nate: Wow, what a journey. With so much success in competitions, what led you to transition from Slopestyle to backcountry snowboarding?

Yuki: It wasn’t an easy decision. Winning the Burton US Open in 2020 was a high point, but I wasn’t invited back in 2021. I also realized I didn’t want to keep chasing the Olympics either. Competing had always been about pushing myself, but I wasn’t thinking about my future or my life as a whole during that time. There was so much pressure, especially in Japan, where I was expected to be a perfect example. I was earning a lot of money, but it felt empty.

Backcountry riding changed my mindset and my skills. It’s not about chasing fame or the next big trick anymore. Now, I focus on the present, on the lines I want to ride, and on being true to myself.

Nate: Speaking of the backcountry, you’ve been a standout at Kings & Queens of Corbet’s. What’s been your favorite moment from the event so far?

Yuki: Kings & Queens is incredible. The scariest moments are when I feel the most alive—it’s so different from Slopestyle. In 2021, I landed a switch backside 180 airing into the Couloir, which was huge for me, and in 2022, I took second place. But honestly, the whole week is amazing. You’re surrounded by riders from all over the world, and it’s not just about competition—it’s about sharing styles and mindsets.

Nate: Let’s talk about last winter. What were some highlights for you?

Yuki: Last winter was a mix of highs and lows. One of the best days was a jump session at Jackson Hole where I landed a cab 9—it felt so good! I also got to film with Teton Gravity Research (TGR), which was inspiring and intense. Filming brings a different kind of pressure because you have to land tricks and get clips—it’s like a contest in its own way. But I’m still learning so much in the backcountry, and every day out there feels like growth.

Nate: You mentioned challenges—how has your injury and rehab process shaped you as a snowboarder?

Yuki: This was my first major injury and surgery, so it taught me a lot. I’ve learned that if you don’t trust what you’re about to do, it’s the same as not knowing. Risk management has become a huge focus for me. I used to be so driven by getting clips that I didn’t listen to my body or pay attention to conditions. This injury forced me to refocus. If I don’t take care of my knee, I can’t snowboard—it’s that simple. But this challenge has also made me more thoughtful about my life and snowboarding career. Time is precious, and every day counts.

Nate: That’s powerful. What advice would you give to young riders who are hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Yuki: If you’re in a place like Jackson, you’re already lucky. Being in the backcountry teaches you so much more than any class could. Learn to understand the environment—the weather, the snowpack, how things change. Knowledge is power. Surround yourself with good people, stay dedicated, and most importantly, have fun. Creativity and curiosity will take you far.

Nate: Creativity seems to be a big part of your riding. How has it influenced your career?

Yuki: I’ve always tried to be creative, even though I don’t always feel like a creative person. I love watching riders like Rene Rinnekangas—his energy is incredible. For me, creativity is about staying open, looking at things differently, and always challenging myself.

Nate: Looking ahead, what excites you about this winter? Any specific goals or lines you’re chasing?

Yuki: After moving to Jackson, I feel like I’m finally living in the heart of the snowboarding industry. This town has everything I’ve ever wanted as a snowboarder. It makes me think deeply about who I want to be, and the answer is simple: I just want to be Yuki Kadono, snowboarder. I’m excited for more big mountain lines, pushing my skills, and being part of this amazing community.

Nate: Yuki, it’s been great hearing your story. We’re excited to see what you accomplish this season!

Yuki: Thanks, Nate. I’m excited too. See you out there!

Follow Yuki on Instagram here.