The first day of competition saw players facing blizzards in Italy but the Czech team of Anna Dostálová, Magdalena Dostálová and Diana Žolnerčíková proved untroubled.

The trio edged Italy’s Alessia Zaniboni, Elena Nicotera, Anna Brilli and Martina Foresti 15-9, 10-15, 15-11 in the first round of qualifying.

It mean the Czech Republic would be represented in the main draw, with their second match coming against compatriots Michaela Knoblochová, Michaela Šmejcká and Justyna Frommová.

Žolnerčíková and the Dostálová sisters emerged as 15-10, 15-10 winners to reach the main draw.

The second Czech team bounced back from their second round defeat to win a final qualifying match 11-15, 15-9, 15-9 against Romanian opposition.

Lithuania and Slovakia were also able to second places in the main draw of the women’s event.

There was success for Russia and the United States in men’s qualifying, with their second entrants into the tournament beating teams from Italy and Germany in the second round.

Both nations won in straight sets to secure a place in the main draw.

Italy’s third team bounced back from their loss to Russia to win a playoff 15-7, 15-7 against rivals from Switzerland to advance.

Germany were unable to match the Italians, succumbing to a 15-11, 15-9 defeat to Slovenia to miss out on the main draw.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.

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.