Frank Knaack

Assistant Snowboard Coach

Frank began snowboarding in the late 1980s and grew up competing in the Green Mountain Series (now called the Southern Vermont Series) and USASA nationals, where he won multiple events. He was part of the first class of snowboarders admitted to the Stratton Mountain School and after graduating from SMS he spent four years competing on the ISF World Cup and other professional snowboard tours throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is also a former member of the U.S. Junior World Snowboard Team.

Since returning to Vermont in 2021, Frank has coached the weekend snowboard competition team at Okemo. He is excited to transition to OMS, where his daughter is a student and snowboarder

Prior to joining OMS, Frank spent 20 years as a human rights advocate across the U.S. and in the Middle East, including serving as the executive director of the ACLU of South Carolina, the Montana Innocence Project, the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, and the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. As part of this work, Frank oversaw multiple development programs that achieved substantial revenue growth for the organization.

Frank is a graduate of the University of Vermont (BA in History and Political Science) and The American University in Cairo (MA in International Human Rights Law).

Frank lives with his wife and two children in Landgrove, VT.

Years at OMS: First year

Ashley BillingsDecember 16, 2025Snowboard

Luke Bonang

Freestyle Sports Program Director/ Head Snowboard Coach

USSA Snowboard Level 200 Certified Coach

Luke is a Vermont native who graduated from UVM in 2003. After college, he spent the majority of his winters out west, where he spent a five years in both Colorado and Mammoth Lakes. He was a rider with Rossignol Snowboards during college on a regional level in California. He was also involved with several Rossignol promotional and business projects, including event promotion, product evaluations, team focus groups and being an RS Coach in France.

During the off-season, Luke works as a dry stone mason. Outside of coaching, Luke enjoys the outdoors, sports-related activities, fishing, music, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Michelle, his three children, Henry, Luke, and Livvy, and his dog, Trooper. Luke lives in Weston, VT.

Years at OMS: 16

- University of Vermont: BA History

KatieOctober 8, 2017Snowboard

James "Hobie" Chittenden

Assistant Snowboard Coach

USSA Snowboard Level 100 Certified Coach

Hobie began his snowboarding career in the early 1990s and continued through the early 2000s. He played a significant role during the heyday of East Coast snowboarding, when Vermont hosted the US Opens. A competitor in all events, consistently in the top 10 national rankings. His skills landed him a spot as a playable character in Xbox game Amped, also recognized in magazine publications and ads, often featuring him on covers. His highlights are collaborating on his pro-model snowboard and exploring Europe, capturing footage, competing, and indulging in the thrill of riding.

After his pro snowboarding career, Hobie transitioned into a different profession. For two decades, he dedicated himself to logging and timber harvesting. However, his love for snowboarding never waned. He is grateful for the OMS coaching opportunity, and a return to his snowboarding roots.

He resides in Londonderry, VT with his wife and their two children. When he's not on snow, he can be found skateboarding, dirt biking, engaging in outdoor activities, or tinkering with small engines.

Okemo Mountain School