The best of the best are heading to Austria this weekend ©FIS

The International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard Cross (SBX) World Cup 2019/20 season gets underway tomorrow, in the stunning Austrian Alps of Montafon.

Having hosted the SBX World Cup since 2012, it’s been cancelled in recent years due to a lack of snow.

However, the spectator-friendly venue is back on the calendar, with excellent viewing spots throughout the course and grandstand seating at the bottom.

In the men’s competition, home favourite Alessandro Haemmerle is hotly fancied, having won his first crystal globe last season at the World Cup finals in Veysonnaz.

Consistent and steady, he’s already made the World Cup podium 16 times, including seven victories.

Two time reigning Olympic champion Pierre Vaultier should also be in the shake-up.

The Frenchman is a six-time SBX crystal globe winner, and no man has won as many World Cup races (22).

Will Eva Samkova paint on her traditional moustache this season? ©Eva Samkova/Instagram
Will Eva Samkova paint on her traditional moustache this season? ©Eva Samkova/Instagram

Despite injuries hampering him last season, Vaultier is likely to come back with a bang.

But don't rule out Italian Omar Visintin, who finished second in the overall rankings last year.

In the women’s event, the Utah 2019 SBX world championship gold medallist Eva Samkova is a huge talent.

The Czech rider was a gold medalist at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and knows exactly how to win.

The "veteran" tag may apply to American Lindsey Jacobellis, but she still has plenty to offer at the age of 34.

The most dominant athlete in SBX history, she has 30 World Cup victories under her belt, along with world championship titles and an Olympic silver medal.

Michela Moioli of Italy is the reigning Olympic champion and a two-time SBW World Cup crystal globe winner, so don't be surprised if she goes home from Austria with a medal.