The 22-year-old's dominance started in Panorama, Canada, where he took top spot in the downhill and super-combined events and finished second in the giant slalom.

After securing a second and third place in Copper Mountain, Salcher got back to winning ways in big style when the tour returned to Europe.

He demonstrated his Sochi 2014 medal potential by powering his way to victories in the downhill, super-G and giant slalom disciplines at the final World Cup event of the month in Tignes, France.

"I think winning IPC Athlete of the Month is a sign for me that many people are following me on the road to Sochi," said Salcher.

"For me, it was surprising that I had [such great performances] in the giant slalom in January.

"I had done a lot of technical training in summer, and now it's paying off, as I'm fighting for medals in the event."

The man from Klagenfurt is now turning his attention to transferring his form into Paralympic medals, not only at Sochi next month, but beyond.

In Sochi, Salcher will face stiff competition from the likes of three-times Paralympic medallist Vincent Gauthier-Manuel of France, Russia's rising star Alexey Bugaev and compatriot Matthias Lanzinger.

But, after an impressive month, Salcher goes into his second Paralympics in confident mood and is undaunted by going up against more experienced opponents, particularly Lanzinger.

Salcher competed at Vancouver 2010 but missed out on the podium ©Getty Images



"The 10 years between us gives him [Lanzinger] more experience than me," added Salcher.

"But that could be an advantage for me, too.

"I can stop thinking about the age gap once I get into the start gate, however for him, he will keep thinking about it because it could be the last chance for him to get a Paralympic medal at age 32.

"But I have time because I'm 22.

"The next Games after Sochi [Pyeongchang 2018] I'd be only 26, so I already see myself going to two more Games afterwards to win more medals.

"But the focus is now on Sochi and on a medal.

"It doesn't matter what the colour is – a medal is my goal."

Salcher picked up 42 per cent of the votes for January's award, finishing clear of fellow Alpine skier Anna Schaffelhuber of Germany, American snowboarder Mike Shea, Japanese wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kunieda, and Russian Nordic skiers Roman Petushkov and Alena Kaufman.

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