Ledeux, who posted the best score in yesterday’s qualifying session, was also triumphant in the last Freeski World Cup event in Stubai last year, and was fancied to continue her good run of form under the Austrian floodlights.

However Swiss skier Giulia Tanno scored 173.40 from her three runs, enough to reverse the placings in the qualifying session and give the reigning Big Air Crystal Globe champion victory.

Ledeux finished one point behind in a close contest, recording a total score of 172.40 from her three runs.

The podium was completed by Youth Olympic Games champion Kelly Sildaru of Estonia who scored 160.60.

Silvia Bertagna of Italy finished fourth with 128.60 with Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland in fifth with 20.40.

The other competitor in the field Johanne Killi of Norway did not start the final.

Following her victory Tanno told the event’s official broadcast: "I cried some happy tears to be honest."

It was a busy day for the men with qualification taking place in the morning followed by the night finals.

Antoine Adelisse of France was the top men’s qualifier from the first heat with a score of 187.20 from his three runs while Birk Ruud of Norway was the top qualifier from the second heat with a score of 190.00.

Ruud was the most consistent in the final scoring 193.20 across his three runs to give him victory.

Despite a fall on his final run, Adelisse scored 189.60, enough to give him second place.

The podium was completed by Oliwer Magnusson of Sweden with 189.20, who held off Kim Gubser of Switzerland who finished a point behind in fourth at 188.20.

In fifth was Gubser’s compatriot Andri Ragettli with a score of 187.80.

Ruud said of his victory: "To be on top with the level of skiing today, I am very proud of me and the team around."

Big Air action is scheduled to continue at the resort tomorrow with the latest men’s and women’s FIS Snowboard World Cup competitions.