Lorenzo Sommariva led the way in the men's qualification as he achieved a time of 39.52 seconds on the 675 metres long course.

The Italian was one of five men to break the 40 second mark on the course, as he secured top seeding for tomorrow’s races.

Germany’s Paul Berg and Canada’s Christopher Robanske completed the top three positions, ending in 39.62 and 39.72 respectively.

Pierre Vaultier ended fourth in 39.87, leaving the Frenchman strongly poised heading into tomorrow’s action as he looks to secure the World Cup title.

Switzerland’s Jerome Lymann also dipped under 40 seconds, as he ended in 39.88.

Italian success continued in women’s qualifying, with Michala Moioli topping the standings in 40.93.

She was followed by France’s Charlotte Bankes and Raffaelle Brutto, who clocked 41.68 and 41.90 respectively.

Moioli is currently top of the World Cup standings on 4,630 points, just 30 clear of Chloe Trespeuch of France, a Sochi 2014 bronze medallist.

The Italian will hope earning top seeding will benefit her as she attempts to secure the World Cup crown.

Trespeuch was only able to finish seventh in qualifying, so might have a more challenging path to success over the weekend.

Competition will take place over the next two days.

Snowboarders will quickly shift their attentions to the Winter Olympics after the World Cup, with the Opening Ceremony of Pyeongchang 2018 taking place on February 9.