Legendary snowboarder Danny Kass. Photo: Absinthe Films
The U.S. Snowboard team officially announced the promotion of Danny Kass to head coach of the slopestyle/big air team for the 2026-2027 season. The announcement of Kass as head coach for the slopestyle/big air program came alongside news that Jan Klemsa and Harald Benselin will assume the pro snowboard cross program coaching roles.
Kass won halfpipe silver as a member of Team USA twice, first in Salt Lake City in 2002 and then in Torino in 2006. Meanwhile, between 2001 and 2005, Kass won seven medals at the X Games in halfpipe and slopestyle, including gold in 2001. All of this before he reached his mid-20s, cementing his status as a legend in American snowboarding.
As for his coaching experience, Kass has been in various roles with the U.S. Snowboard Team program since 2022 and was quickly elevated to a head coaching role with the halfpipe team.
“As a living legend in the sport, Danny needs no introduction,” said U.S. Snowboard team sport director Rick Bower. “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 2026-2027 U.S. Ski and Snowboard season will kick off in November. At least six events are currently listed for slopestyle/big air competition, beginning with the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix in early December. The schedule appears to wrap up at the RevTour / FIS NorAm Cup in late March, 2027.
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