Thompson, the Olympic gold medallist at Sochi 2014, set an impressive mark of 1min 12.95sec to finish 0.78 seconds ahead of Sweden's World Cup leader Anna Holmlund’s 1:13.73.

Another Canadian, Kelsey Serwa, qualified in third.

Chapuis, like Thompson the reigning Olympic champion, was similarly impressive, stopping the clock in 1:09.31 in the men's event.

This put him 0.75 seconds ahead of two Austrians, Vancouver 2010 bronze medallist Andy Matt, who set a time of 1:10.06, and Daniel Traxler.

In tricky conditions, combining gusty wind and softening snow, several big names missed out, including France's Alizee Baron, ranked third overall in the World Cup series. 

Winds continued to rise as the day continued, leading to the cancellation of the women's snowboard cross qualification.

It became clear that the safety of the athletes had become too big of an issue, and despite the fact that there were only two women left in the start gate, the jury decided to suspend qualifications.

According to Rule 2705.1.4, tomorrow's knock-out action will take place with heats seeded based on the current World Cup and FIS point lists. 

Olympic champion Eva Samkova of Czech Republic will become number one seed due to the absence of current World Cup leader Nelly Moenne Loccoz of France.

Samkova had been second to Australia's Belle Brockhoff before action was cancelled.

Both snowboard cross finals should take place tomorrow, with the ski-cross competition due to conclude on Sunday (February 28).