Sofia Goggia topped the opening qualification run in Lake Louise ©Getty Images

Italy’s Sofia Goggia will start among the favourites as Lake Louise hosts the first downhill events of the women’s International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine World Cup season.

Goggia claimed the crystal globe for the discipline last season after winning four of the seven downhill races held.

The Italian was denied the chance to compete at a home World Championships in Cortina through injury, but will now set her sights on retaining her Olympic downhill title at Beijing 2022.

Goggia, who has already been named Italy’s flagbearer for the Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony, topped the standings in the opening training run at Lake Louise on Tuesday (November 30).

Yesterday’s training run was cancelled at the Canadian venue.

Lara Gut-Behrami will hope for downhill and super-G success ©Getty Images
Lara Gut-Behrami will hope for downhill and super-G success ©Getty Images

Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Corinne Suter will aim to challenge Goggia in the two downhill races, which will take place tomorrow and Saturday (December 4).

The United States' Breezy Johnson is another potential contender to top the podium.

The World Cup event in Lake Louise will conclude with super-G competition on Sunday (December 5).

Gut-Behrami won the super-G World Cup title last season and will hope for further success in the build-up to the Olympic Games.