Ilka Štuhec of Slovenia won the corresponding women's event.

It came on a pulsating day of racing as conditions improved at the Swiss resort.

Wearing bib number 13, Feuz crossed the line in 1min 38.91sec to overhaul team-mate Patrick Kueng.

Canada's Erik Guay got within 12 hundredths of his time but ultimately had to settle for second place.

Austria's Max Franz was 0.37 off the pace in third.

Kueng was forced to settle for fourth. 

"To win this gold medal at home in front of Swiss fans, I couldn’t have asked for anything more," said Feuz after improving upon a downhill bronze won in 2015.

"It was a close race today and anyone could have taken the win, but I’m really happy that it’s me to win the gold."

Štuhec continued a run of Slovenian victories by emulating Tina Maze's win two years ago in Beaver Creek.

She clocked 1:32.85 to finish 0.40 clear of Stephanie Venier of Austria.

United States' Lindsey Vonn finished a further five hundredths behind in third to become the oldest female World Championship medallist at 32.

"I’m amazed," said an emotional Štuhec said after her victory. 

"I knew it was possible, but still to stand as the world champion here is unreal to me. 

"Words can’t express what this means. 

"I think the reality will sink in a little later."

Men's action is set to continue tomorrow with the Alpine combined competition.