While the Slovenian ski team was expected to struggle for podium finishes without Maze, Drev has made the ski world take notice in recent weeks.

A fortnight after failing to capitalise on a first-run lead in the giant slalom meet in Lienz, Drev did not let a second chance slip in Flachau.

The 30-year-old was again the fastest in the first run and while she could not keep up with Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany in the second run, her performance was enough for her first career podium.

Rebensburg had a lightning second run in poor weather conditions to clock a combined time 2:29.51, 0.94 seconds ahead of Drev. Federica Brignone took third place, 0.99 seconds adrift.

If Drev can keep her form up, it will go a long way to help Slovenian fans get over Maze's absence.

The two-time Olympic champion was quick to congratulate Drev on Twitter, writing: "What I would do to be able to share the podium with you. Bravo."