The 2026-27 snowboard competition season is just around the corner, and the U.S. Snowboard Team is introducing a set of new coaches for its slopestyle/big air and snowboard cross programs. The new hires bring both new and familiar names to the staff as the team prepares for another season of international competition.
Slopestyle/Big Air: Head Coach Danny Kass
The U.S. Snowboard Team has announced Danny Kass as the new head coach of its slopestyle/big air program. A familiar name in the snowboard community, Kass brings both riding and coaching experience to a team famous for its elite riders.
The 43-year-old Vermont native began his coaching career in 2022, leading the U.S. rookie halfpipe team and training its riders as they moved up to the pro squad. Kass was quickly promoted to head coach of the pro team one year later, coaching American halfpipe stars like Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Jake Pates during his stint.
Before coaching, Kass had quite an impressive riding career. He holds seven X Games medals in the halfpipe discipline, including one gold from 2001. He also won two Olympic silver medals in the halfpipe: one in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and the other in the 2006 Torino Games.
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Despite his career as a halfpipe specialist, Kass brings a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in competition. As a former pro himself, he brings valuable experience of working under pressure to a slopestyle/big air team that draws eyes from people around the world.
“As a living legend in the sport, Danny needs no introduction,” U.S. Snowboard Team sport director Rick Bowers said in the announcement. “His unique experience has shaped him to be able to connect with riders in a truly remarkable way. Danny has a deep understanding of what it takes to be the best in the world.”
The U.S. slopestyle and big air team is coming off a mildly successful 2026 Winter Olympics that saw a bronze medal in slopestyle won by 22-year-old Jake Canter. In 2027, Kass will look to build upon that success at the World Championships in Montafan, Austria.
On Kass’ staff will be Stan Wu, who is entering his third season as the pro team assistant coach. Veteran coaches Ryan Conway and Eric Beauchemin will coach the rookie program.
Snowboard Cross: Harald Benselin and Jan Klemsa
On the racing side of things, Harald Benselin and Jan Klemsa will lead the snowboard cross program. They each bring eight years of coaching experience from the Australian National Team, giving the U.S. program a pair of coaches with nearly a decade of racing under their belts.
The pair most famously coached Josie Baff to a gold medal in snowboard cross at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Baff’s gold was Australia’s first in the discipline.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Harald Benselin and Jan Klemsa to our snowboard cross program,” Bower said. “Harald and Jan have worked together for many years and have a deep understanding of what it takes to be best in the world at racing. We’re excited to welcome their systematic approach, focus on conditioning and highly structured time on snow to further develop our athletes.”
Joining Benselin and Klemsa are three Italian wax technicians who worked with the coaches during their time with the Australian National Team.
Leading the snowboard cross development program will be Nathan Park, who is returning for his fifth season. Hunter Dercks will serve as the development program’s primary wax technician.
