Alice Merryweather claimed first place in the women's event, finishing only two-hundredths of a second clear of Switzerland's Katja Grossman at the Åre Ski Area.

The 20-year-old crossed the line in a time of 1min 25.27sec, good enough to defeat Grossman's 1:25.29.

Completing the top three was Germany's Kira Weidle in 1:25.70.

"The snow is perfect and the light was actually good," said Merryweather.

"I was a little concerned because it's cloudy today but it was still totally fine and I couldn't have asked for better conditions.

"It went very well.

"I think I haven't been super aggressive in the training and I finally turned it up a notch for today.

"I've dreamed of this, this is my fourth Junior Championships and I've seen the girls go up onto the podium and I've always wanted to be there, to achieve that is so cool."

The American double was secured when Sam Morse took the men's title.

The 20-year-old finished in 1:23.34.

Narrowly behind in silver medal position was Italy's Alexander Prast, who finished in 1:23.72.

Austria's Raphael Haaser completed the top three as he crossed the line in 1:23.84.

"This is world-class," said Morse.

"I’ve been to four World Juniors and this is by far the most legit downhill I’ve run in the championships, so they did a really nice job putting this hill together.

"When the hill’s faster things stack up, they come at you a little faster, the jumps are bigger.

"You have to be more on your game, because if things go wrong they go wrong quick."

Action is due to continue tomorrow with both Super-G competitions.