Formula GPS requires athletes to wear a tracking system, which records their movements and sends it to software for evaluation of their performances in 30, 60 and 90 minute races.

There is no course for athletes to follow and they are rewarded for how many kilometres and variations in height they achieve from the race's starting point.

Both male and female snowboarders took part in the event over the course of the weekend with Austria's Reinhold Gehrer clinching gold in the men’s event.

He was followed by France's world champion Guillaume Chastagnol in silver and Germany's Felix Werner in bronze.

Carola de Groot of The Netherlands secured gold in the women’s event.

Home athletes Maria Stellitano and Franceska Sarcone completed the podium line-up with silver and bronze medals, respectively.

The men's ski category was won by Germany's Felix Kersten with Italy's Andrea di Lisa and Spain’s Javi Mezo behind in second and third.

The first day of racing took place in the Valle Fredda, which rewarded speed and distance rather than height gained thanks to its flat conditions.

The weather was not ideal on day two with the race eventually abandoned due to lack of wind.

However, conditions picked up on day three with winds averaging between 15 and 20 knots, allowing athletes to put in some excellent performances.

Unfortunately, there was more disappointment on the final day as the cross-country race was cancelled due to unsafe conditions.

Francesco Di Donato, the Mayor of Roccaraso where Alto Sangro is situated, said the IKA SnowKite World Cup competition gave his region a chance to showcase itself.

"It represents a further opportunity to measure our ability to host a sport event that will show our area worldwide," he said.

"Moreover, it is a sport that is followed with great attention by young people who represent a market segment on which we are making the most important efforts in terms of tourism promotion."