Kass Named Slopestyle, Big Air Head Coach; Benselin, Klemsa, to Lead Snowboard Cross Program

The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team has formally announced key staffing changes ahead of the 2026-27 season for both big air & slopestyle and snowboard cross programs. Danny Kass will become the new slopestyle & big air head coach and Jan Klemsa and Harald Benselin will assume the pro snowboard cross program coaching roles, effective immediately. 

With two Olympic silver medals, seven X Games medals and a legacy that transcends the world of snowboarding, Kass, who started as the rookie halfpipe coach in 2022 before earning the nod as pro halfpipe team head coach the following season, brings a deep understanding of what it takes to be at the top of the sport, and experience in balancing the pressures that come with being a professional athlete.

"As a living legend in the sport, Danny needs no introduction," said Hydro Flask 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."

Stan Wu, who is entering his third season with the program, will serve as assistant pro team coach, while veteran coaches Ryan Conway and Eric Beauchemin will continue to lead the rookie program.
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The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team also welcomes two new coaches to the snowboard cross program: Harald Benselin & Jan Klemsa.

Benselin and Klemsa join the U.S. team following eight years with the Australian national team, bringing proven international experience and a renewed intensity to the snowboard cross program.

Most recently, the pair coached Josie Baff to a historic gold medal in women’s snowboard cross at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, marking the nation's first Olympic gold in the discipline. 

"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Harald Benselin and Jan Klemsa to our snowboard cross program," said Bower. "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."

Their arrival is paired with the addition of three Italian wax technicians, each of whom has previously worked with the Australian team under both Benselin and Klemsa.

Nathan Park returns for his fifth season with the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and will shift his focus to the development program. He is joined by Hunter Dercks, who will serve as the rookie team’s primary wax technician. 

The 2026-27 snowboard season kicks off in November.