Sandra Näslund of Sweden got her season off to a winning start at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup event in the French resort of Val Thorens ©Getty Images

Sandra Näslund of Sweden earned victory today in the first of the women's finals at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup season opener in the French resort of Val Thorens.

Näslund, who finished third in the previous day's qualifying, topped the standings to earn 1000.00 FIS points, ahead of three Canadian athletes.

Courtney Hoffos took silver and 800.00, India Sherret was third, earning 600.00, and Marielle Thompson fourth with 500.00.

Switzerland's 26-year-old defending champion Fanny Smith, who had topped qualifying, finished fifth.

Canada's Kevin Drury celebrates his victory in the opening FIS Ski Cross World Cup of the season in the French resort of Val Thorens ©Getty Images
Canada's Kevin Drury celebrates his victory in the opening FIS Ski Cross World Cup of the season in the French resort of Val Thorens ©Getty Images

Kevin Drury of Canada, who had topped the men's qualifying, maintained his form to claim maximum points.

Second place went to home skier Youri Duplessis Kermogard, with Ryan Regez of Switzerland third.

France's Francois Place and men's World Cup winner last season Bastien Midol, who had finished second and third in qualifying, finished 12th and fifth, respectively.

The opener will conclude with another men's and women's race tomorrow.