Smith has been dominant in the women's competition, sitting over 300 points ahead of her closest rival, Canada's Marielle Thompson, with the Swiss skier winning five of the nine races so far.

She has only failed to make the podium once this season.

Thompson sits just 43 points ahead of French skier Marielle Berger Sabbatel, who herself holds a slender lead over compatriot Alizée Baron.

All three are still in the running for the overall silver medal.

Although Sweden's Sandra Näslund will not be in the running in the overall standings, the newly-crowned world champion has had a strong return from a knee injury.

Her first victory of the season came in Reiteralm in mid-February and the reigning Ski Cross World Cup champion will be one of the favourites.

Howden has won three of the nine men's races, accompanied by two silver medals too.

He sealed the Crystal Globe at the last race in Bakuriani, which was won by Florian Wilmsmann - his first victory on the Ski Cross World Cup circuit.

Second spot in the standings is still a realistic target for half a dozen skiers, who are separated by just 60 points.

Swiss pair Jonas Lenherr and Ryan Regez currently sit second and third, while Sweden's David Mobärg is sandwiched between the French duo Bastien Midol and Francois Place.

Wilmsmann is an outsider for the podium, but is still less than 60 points behind Regez.