Dale Begg-Smith led the Australian challenge at the opening mogul skiing World Cup in Tignes, France, overnight.

Begg-Smith, number two in the world last season, finished in 15th place on 23.09 points, missing a berth in the final by three places.

Jason Begg-Smith was in 31st place on 21.81 points, but more importantly, he racked up the first of three top 60 per cent of field results he needs to meet the Australian Olympic Committee qualifying criteria for a place on the Torino 2006 Olympic team.

One place further back, and also with a top 60 per cent was NSW skier Nick Fisher, while the fourth member of the OWI men's team, Michael Robertson, was well back in 55th position.

Dale Begg-Smith met the qualifying criteria at the opening event of last season.

The Tignes gold medal went to Tapio Luusua of Finland on 25.64 points, his first win for three seasons and the second of his career.

Yugo Tsukita of Japan took the silver and Sami Mustonen, also from Finland, collected bronze.

In the women's event, Manuela Berchtold finished in 18th place on 20.11 points, comfortably inside the top 60 per cent of the 36-woman field.

US skier Hannah Kearney took the gold medal with 25.75 points.