Shiffrin claims spoils in World Cup opener

A combined time of 1 minute 55.07s was enough for the teenager to secure the win with Hoefl-Riesch finishing 1.06s behind, Tina Maze claimed third a further 1.61s back.

"I'm really happy with how the day went, and I'm also really excited because it looks like there are some pretty fast girls in the back of the pack," Shiffrin said.

"I'm excited for the Olympics for sure but there are a couple of races between now and then, so hopefully I can just keep this going."

Shiffrin continues her good form having won the World Cup slalom title and the world championship race last season but still sees room for improvement.

"Every day there is something you can do better," said the 18-year-old.

Christina Ager of Austria came fourth in her first World Cup start and only missed the podium by 0.07 seconds.

Lindsey Vonn skipped the first meet of the year but will make her debut at the next speed meet in Beaver Creek, Colorado having recovered from an injury to her right knee suffered in February.