Snowboard cross action will take centre stage at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup event at the California resort, which precedes the Worlds which will be held in Big White in Canada.

Amy Purdy will make her World Cup season debut on home snow, with the American, who has gained celebrity status as an actress and model, not seeing action since March before a North American Cup also taking place this week.

The 37-year-old, the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic bronze medallist, was runner-up on TV show Dancing With The Stars in 2014.

She will face competition in the SB-LL1 class from compatriot Nicole Roundy, who sits at number two in the World Cup rankings. 

Australia’s Joany Badenhorst will be one to watch in the SB-LL2, currently sitting 400 points from second in the overall World Cup standings.

In men's competition, Evan Strong will be part of a US charge with the Sochi 2014 champion currently second in the SB-LL2 rankings.

Overall World Cup leader Mike Minor will headline the men’s SB-UL on home snow but Australia's Simon Patmore is expected to challenge.

Competition will be held tomorrow and Friday (January 26) with the Worlds in Big White running from February 2 to 7.