Berzins adapted impressively to the changing track conditions, with a flurry of snow presenting a challenge to the athletes between the first and second runs.

The 17-year-old topped the standings at the midway point of the competition, with a time of 54.036 seconds.

His nearest rival was Russian Pavel Repilov, who clocked 54.175.

Berzins ensured victory by finishing the second run in 54.036, which gave him an overall time of 1min 48.045sec.

"I thought the race was going to be more difficult because sleds are not as fast in the snow," Berzins said.

"I was a little bit scared and stressed, as I like to go fast and this is normally one of the fastest tracks.

"It feels super amazing to win gold, I cannot feel any happier."

Repilov was forced to settle for the silver medal, with the Russian athlete finishing in a total time of 1:48.229.

The Russian is the younger brother of Roman Repilov, the current leader of the Luge World Cup circuit and two-time World Championship silver medallist.

Bronze went to Germany's Timon Grancagnolo in 1:48.836.

Germany enjoyed success in the women's doubles competition, with Jessica Degenhardt and Vanessa Schneider topping the podium.

The pairing achieved the fastest time in both runs to top the standings in 1:51.443.

The gold added to Degenhardt's silver medal from the individual event.

Canada's Caitlin Nash and Natalie Corless finished runners-up, 1.266 seconds off the pace of the winning team.

The podium was completed by Latvia's Viktorija Ziedina and Selina Zvilna, who finished in 1:53.043.