The podium placing is also the first of the 19-year-old's career in just her eighth World Cup start, becoming the second Aussie female snowboard cross rider to win a World Cup event.

“I am very overwhelmed right now, but thank you to everyone - my coaches, my wax techs and hello to my family back home” Josie said as she caught her breath in the finish area.

“I still can’t believe this has happened.”

The Jindabyne local was in great form at the French resort, qualifying for finals in fourth place under sunny conditions. Heavy wind and snowfall then set in, with the event postponed 24 hours. Conditions improved slightly for the new competition day but was still difficult for all competitors.

The Beijing 2022 Olympian continued her fast riding into finals, winning her quarter-final round and placing second in the semi-final to reach the first big final medal round of her career.

In the big final, Josie had another great start and was in the top two for the first half of the course. She then made her move to hit the front and was able to fend off all challenges to cross the line in first place.

Finishing behind Josie on the podium were French riders Chloe Trespeuch and Lea Casta.

Elsewhere, Beijing 2022 Olympic gold medallist Jakara Anthony was spectacular in the season-opening mogul skiing World Cup in Finland, claiming the fifth World Cup victory of her career with a huge score of 81.69 - more than 3 points ahead of second place.

In the women's freestyle skiing World Cup, Danielle Scott took out the event to give Australia three winter sport World Cup wins in the one weekend.