The Skiing Halfpipe World Cup season began in Copper Mountain ©FIS

France won both the men's and women's titles as the International Ski Federation (FIS) Skiing Halfpipe World Cup season opened in Copper Mountain in the United States.

Kevin Rolland, the Olympic bronze medallist at Sochi 2014, claimed the men's crown with 94.20 points at the Colorado venue.

His winning effort included a switch left dub 1080 safety, a right dub 1260 mute, a left dub 1260 mute and a right 900 tail.

He had trailed compatriot Ben Valentin before he turned on the style with his third and final run.

Valentin had to make do with silver on 92.40 points with Aaron Blunck taking home bronze for the US with a tally of 87.00.

"I didn't go super high on the first run, keeping it rather safe," said Rolland.

"Then I crashed on my second run so all the pressure was on my last run and I went as huge as I could and it worked our pretty good so I'm very happy now."

In the women's event, Sochi 2014 silver medallist Marie Martinod topped the pile for France with a score of 88.60.

Marie Martinod topped the women's pile ©FIS
Marie Martinod topped the women's pile ©FIS

Her winning run included her trademark back-to-back flairs followed by an impressive 900.

"I tried to execute my run the best I could, going as high as possible and holding my grabs all the way through," Martinod said. 

"The conditions were pretty difficult today, but the shapers did an amazing job clearing the pipe after the snowfall. 

"The summer training paid off and I was able to land my tricks. 

"Now the pressure is off and I'm super excited."

American skiers claimed the other two spots on the podium, with Annalisa Drew second with a score of 85.80.

A total of 83.20 gave Devin Logan the bronze.

The next leg of the World Cup season will take place in Mammoth Mountain in the US, beginning on February 1.