Katrin Ofner claimed her first ski cross World Cup victory in her 128th start and 13th season on the tour ©Getty Images

Katrin Ofner’s long wait for an International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup victory came to an end as she struck gold in Val Thorens.

After 13 years on the circuit, the 30-year-old Austrian finally tasted success in her 128th World Cup start as she took the early lead and did not look back in the French resort.

"I am happy and so thankful," said Ofner.

"This win was really important, not only for me, but also for the whole team and for everybody who supported me.

"I am just super happy and it feels like I still haven’t realised it yet."

Jade Grillet-Aubert of France was in second place only to catch Ofner’s skis and crash out of the competition, allowing Daniela Maier to surge through for silver.

The bronze medal went to Marielle Thompson for the second successive race as the Canadian claimed her third podium of the season to boost her position in the ski cross standings.

Swiss skier Franny Smith’s hopes of a hat-trick of World Cup victories were dashed as she had to settle for a fifth-place finish.

Reece Howden of Canada finished second behind Frenchman Jonathan Midol yesterday and went one better in today’s rearranged race.

Howden faced a strong challenge from Ryan Regez but managed to hold off his Swiss rival to clinch his second World Cup win of his career and back-to-back podiums.

Regez finished one hundredth of a second behind Howden for silver, while France’s Francois Place took bronze as his compatriot Midol crashed out of the podium battle.

"The race went great," said Howden.

"Yesterday I did well, too, but today I was able to clean up a few spots that I was lacking in yesterday and it worked out.

"My starts were fast and I was feeling really good today."

The victory also sees Howden replace Swede David Mobärg as the ski cross leader while Regez is in third position after four races.

Smith remains top of the ski cross standings ahead of Thompson and Alexandra Edebo of Sweden.

The third leg of the season was due to be staged in Val Thorens on Saturday (December 19) only to be called off due to strong winds.

Following the completion of yesterday’s race, organisers decided to hold the fourth leg today.

The FIS Ski Cross World Cup is not scheduled to resume until January 15.