Fenninger's fifth victory of the campaign saw her leapfrog Slovenia's Tina Maze, who could only manage a 20th placed finish and 11 points, into pole position.

The giant slalom world champion led after the first leg and went on to clock a combined time of 2min 24.20sec to edge out Italy's Nadia Fanchini, 0.71 seconds off the pace, and compatriot Eva-Maria Brem, 1.07 seconds back.

Fenninger won both giant slalom races in Åre last year and has now become the first woman to win three times in the Swedish resort.

"I am living a dream," said the super-G Olympic gold medallist. 

"From the very beginning of the season with a great victory in Sölden until now, it just has been amazing.

"I am very happy I can show my best skiing here again."

Austria's Anna Fenninger holds a 45 point lead at the top of the Alpine Skiing World Cup standings following her third victory in Åre ©Getty Images


Maze will have an opportunity to make up some ground on Fenninger tomorrow, when she competes in the slalom race.

Fenninger is not taking part in the event and will now turn her attention to the season-ending World Cup Finals in Méribel, France, scheduled to take place from March 16 to 22.

"I try to save my energy in order to maybe win other races this season and put some pressure on Tina," added the 25-year-old. 

"I think it will be tight until the end and I don't know if I can make it or not."

Fanchini, whose career has been blighted by multiple knee injuries dating back to 2010, came from fifth place after the first run to secure her first ever giant slalom podium

"The race went really well," said the Italian. 

"I knew it wasn't impossible to make it to the top three because I was close to the best racers in the first run.

"I gave it my all and I am so glad it worked out."

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