Qualification matches took place yesterday at the Italian venue and the main draw was due to begin today.

But conditions in Kronplatz led to the International Volleyball Federation and the European Volleyball Federation cancelling today's main draw action.

The organisations claim the decision, taken with the technical delegate, was taken in the interests of player safety.

They had initially hoped to delay the start of matches by a couple of hours, but the “severe weather conditions at the venue on the top of the mountain” prevented ties from taking place.

“Athletes’ health is, of course, of highest priority for us,” said Angelo Squeo, FIVB new events and snow volleyball director.

“With the strong winds and a lot of snow on the ground, the conditions on the courts are very dangerous and the risk of injuries is quite high.

“We will start the main draw on Saturday under a different format to allow for completion of the tournament on Sunday as planned.”

It is hoped competition will be able to resume tomorrow morning.

The event follows the inaugural World Tour leg at Wagrain-Kleinarl in Austria last week.

The FIVB is promoting the discipline in the hope it may one day be added to the Winter Olympic programme.

The governing body is hopeful of having snow volleyball included as a demonstration event at next year’s Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne.