Teenager Kim, the Olympic champion from Pyeongchang 2018, took the title at the United States’ Cooper Mountain resort with a score of 92.25 points on her second run.

Australian James, meanwhile, finished top of the men’s pile thanks to a score of 96.75 points on his third run.

American Kim has already cemented herself as one of the biggest stars in winter sport, despite being only 18, and she lived up to that hype again today with a run that included a frontside 1080 tail grab into a cab 900 indy.

It marks her third successive victory in Copper Mountain.

"Today was a really good pipe to start the season off with and all the girls were loving it," she said.

"It’s really good to get back to competing.

"This summer was insane, pretty hectic, so I’m stoked to come out here and get a win in the first competition of the season."

Second-place in the women’s event went to another US rider, Maddie Mastro, who scored 85.00 points, while the bronze medal was won by China’s Cai Xuetong who scored 77.75.

On the men’s side, James found himself in a back and fourth battle with Toby Miller from the US.

James’ winning run included three double corks in a row to finish, including a frontside double cork 1260 indy, which he landed with just inches left in the pipe.

"I feel really good coming into this season," the Olympic bronze medallist said.

"I feel like I’m in a better place than ever before, across the board. 

"I’m really enjoying riding and travelling and everything that comes with the sport, and I think that shows in my riding, as well."

Miller’s second place finish with 94.00 points marked the first World Cup podium of his career, while finishing third was Chase Josey from the US who scored 90.50 points,

That marks the fourth World Cup podium of his career.