Marta Bassino won the giant slalom at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Courchevel ©Getty Images

Marta Bassino earned back-to-back giant slalom victories after triumphing at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup event in Courchevel.

The Italian won the season-opening giant slalom in Sölden in mid-October, and secured her second victory of the season in heavy snowfall in France, finishing the two runs in a total time of 2min 19.03sec. 

Sara Hector of Sweden was back on the podium after a six-year absence.

The 28-year-old clinched silver with 2:19.49. 

Petra Vlhová of the Czech Republic had to settle for third place in 2:19.62. 

That ended a run of three FIS Alpine Ski World Cup race wins on the bounce for Vlhová, the reigning giant slalom world champion.

Sweden's Sara Hector returned to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup podium for the first time in six years in heavy snowfall ©Getty Images
Sweden's Sara Hector returned to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup podium for the first time in six years in heavy snowfall ©Getty Images

Vlhová has reached the podium at all five World Cup races so far this season.

The United States' Mikaela Shiffrin, the world bronze medallist in the giant slalom, competed in the discipline for the first time since January.

She just missed out on a podium finish in fourth. 

Vlhová leads the World Cup rankings with 420 points, 162 ahead of Bassino and 213 in front of Switzerland's Michelle Gisin.

A second giant slalom contest is scheduled to take place in Courchevel tomorrow.