The Swiss skier was hoping to repeat her success at the Russian venue last year, when she claimed victories in back-to-back races.

Smith led women’s qualification yesterday and impressed again today by winning her quarter-final race.

A second-place finish in the semi-final stage proved only a minor blip in a near-perfect performance.

The final was a closely fought contest, with Smith narrowly crossing the line ahead of Marielle Berger of France.

The podium was completed by Germany’s Daniela Maier, with Canada’s Marielle Thompson missing out in fourth place.

Smith’s victory added 100 points to her World Cup tally, which moved to a total of 796.

She remains second in the overall World Cup standings, with leader Sandra Näslund of Sweden 59 points clear.

Näslund received 45 points today by winning the small final to finish in fifth place, having earlier failed to secure a top-two result in the semi-finals.

The Swedish skier will hope to secure the ski cross World Cup title at the final event of the season in Veysonnaz in Switzerland on March 14.

Canada’s Kevin Drury has already earned the men’s World Cup crown following an impressive series of results.

Drury was left settling for second place today, with Switzerland’s Marc Bischofberger topping the podium in Sunny Valley.

The top three were only separated by a small margin at the finish, with France’s Arnaud Bovolenta taking the last podium spot in the big final.

Canada’s Brady Leman placed fourth.

The runner-up finish moves Drury onto 768 points in the World Cup standings, with Switzerland’s Ryan Regez remaining second on 454.

Leman could end as the runner-up at the conclusion of the season after moving onto 428 points due to his fourth-place result.