With snow falling heavily in the Austrian resort, US star Shiffrin, who at the age of 23 already has 36 World Cup slalom wins to her name, initially took the lead in the event.

A time of 56.14sec on the first run saw her lead Slovakia’s Vlhova by over three tenths of a second, meaning it looked as if the two-time Olympic champion would finish top of the podium yet again.

It was not to be for her, however, as Vlhova put down an improved second run at 56.40, while Shiffrin, the defending World Cup champion and current leader, faltered.

The American’s second run time of 56.86 saw her lose the lead, finishing second by 0.15 seconds.

Whilst Vlhova has beaten Shiffrin twice before this season, this is the Slovakian’s first win in the slalom event.

The victory also means she takes home CHF78,000 (£62,500/$79,500/€69,500) in prize money, which is the biggest women’s purse of the season.

Third place went to Austria’s Katharina Liensberger, who set an overall time of 1:54.02 after both runs, just 200ths of a second behind Shiffrin.

The women’s tour will continue this weekend (January 12 and 13), with downhill and super-G action in St. Anton.

Former Olympic downhill champion and 82-time winner on the World Cup circuit Lindsey Vonn will make her return from injury for the US.