But the Truckee local and unofficial FREND spokesperson keeps us all guessing with a freeform character that blends elements of superpipe gypsy and backcountry hippy. What surprised everyone last season—except those who tracked his first underdog rise—was a rapid return to contention. In 2012 Danny reached the finals at the Legendary Banked Slalom, qualified second at the US Open and took second at the European Open—displaying the talent and the charge that brought him from the icy hometown hills of Michigan to the all-time pipe runs and big backcountry booters of top-tier pro snowboarding. Through it all, he has never wandered from the relaxed style and soulful vibe that has earned him countless fans worldwide.

Danny grew up riding the frigid hills of Michigan and landed on the Burton team after a 2005/2006 podium-strung season, a competitive output that also earned him the coveted Rookie of the Year award from both Snowboarder and Transworld. Since his breakout year, he’s won countless contests, developed the Easy Livin board series, took the 2010 Mammoth Grand Prix over Shaun White (with a run many proclaimed the best in halfpipe history), and bagged multiple Dew Tour halfpipe titles. While his halfpipe style is in a league of its own, this Truckee local is just as comfortable in the woods, whether in his camper, splitboarding around Tahoe, or hiking with his pound puppies—Layla and Jerry. Building on his 2012 momentum, Danny collaborated with Mountain Dew on the Peace Pipe which will hit screens this season, and followed up his appearance in the Art of Flight with a standout segment in the newest Burton movie, 13.

Age: 25

Home Town:
Highland, Michigan

Home Mountain:
Alpine Valley Ski Resort