In the first women's final of back-to-back World Cup races in Patagonia, the Sochi 2014 Olympic bronze medallist edged Lindsey Jacobellis of the United States in a photo finish.

It was a first victory for the Frenchwoman since prevailing at the Olympic test event in Bokwang last year.

“I feel very good," said Trespeuch.

"I'm happy to begin the season like that.

"It's the second victory of my life on the World Cup tour.

"I'm very happy."

Nelly Moenne Loccoz, another member of the French team, rounded out the podium in third as she ended her disappointing streak of eight races without a top three finish.

Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medallist Eva Samková of the Czech Republic surprisingly finished in seventh.

While the women's final proved to be very close, the men's was dominated by Pullin.

The Australian had come into the final stages as the second best qualifier and delivered a strong performance in the final to edge Italy's Emanuel Perathoner.

A strong finish from Jonathan Cheever saw the American take the last place on the podium, his first since February 2012.

“It's been a super exciting day," said Pullin.

"It was a really nice environment to go out and race in today. 

"The racing was really close, and the course was great.

"There is no better feeling than crossing the line when there is no one in front of you."

The Snowboard Cross World Cup continues tomorrow, with the second leg of the season also taking place in Cerro Catedral.