The four-day event in New South Wales is due to begin tomorrow and follows two season opening competitions in New Zealand at Coronet Peak and Mount Hutt.

In the men's slalom standing class the absence of current World Cup leading New Zealander Adam Hall could allow home favourite Mitchell Gourlay of Australia to reach the top of the standings

Gourley had the disappointment of not completing the course at the 2013 IPC World Championships in La Molina in February but, as the highest ranked competitor present, he will be confident of better fortunes in front of a home crowd this time around.

Australian star Mitch Gourley is hoping for victory on his home snow


More home success is expected in the women's visually impaired events as super-combined ranking leader Melissa Perrine will compete in her first slalom and giant slalom events of the season along with guide Andrew Bor.

America are sending the largest team to Thredbo and their contingent includes Perrine's rival Danielle Umstead, who will be guided by her husband Rob Umstead.

Other strong American hopes will be Stephanie Victor and Laurie Stephens in the women's slalom and giant slalom sitting classes as well as Tyler Walker who lies equal top of men's slalom class alongside Canadian rival Josh Dueck.

A strong European challenge will be led by Spain's double world champion Jon Santacana in the visually impaired slalom and giant slalom classes while entrants will also come from as far afield as South Africa courtesy of former para-trooper Kingsley Ward in the slalom sitting class.

The event forms another crucial part of the build up and qualification process for the Paralympic Games in Sochi which begin next March.