Andrew Baker is set to take on the role of president and CEO of Alpine Canada, succeeding Therese Brisson, who has moved on to lead Skate Canada after a six-year tenure. With 21 years of experience at the Canadian Olympic Committee, including his recent position as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, Baker will commence his new role at Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages around 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches in 200 clubs nationwide, as per the organization’s 2025 annual report. Moreover, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Upcoming events include two women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Que., scheduled for December, and a World Cup ski cross event set for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada coincides with the beginning of preparations for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
The 43-year-old from Montreal played a key role in the COC’s advocacy efforts for increased core funding for national sport organizations. The federal government’s recent announcement of a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with subsequent annual funding of $118 million, includes significant financial support for organizations like Alpine Canada.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the future of Canadian sports, Baker highlighted the tradition of excellence in alpine sports and the current high performance levels across alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He emphasized the importance of funding and support for athletes to inspire the next generation and bring the potential of Canadian sports to fruition.
While ski cross falls under the freestyle ski category globally, Alpine Canada manages the sport domestically as a speed discipline.
Alpine Canada has met its world championship and Olympic/Paralympic medal targets outlined in its 2021-26 strategic plan. However, Canada did not secure any Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the Milan Cortina Games in February. Despite this, Canadian Para alpine athletes managed to win a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
Looking ahead to 2030, Canada no longer hosts World Cup downhill or super-G races. The decision to discontinue World Cup events in Lake Louise, Alta., after three decades was driven by economic considerations. Plans are in motion to potentially introduce new men’s speed races in Whistler or Panorama, B.C.
The federal government’s commitment to investing an additional $50 million in hosting international sports events over the next five years, along with recent funding announcements for alpine training centers in Panorama, Whistler, and ski cross facilities at Nakiska Ski Resort, aims to provide crucial resources and support for athletes on their journey towards the 2030 Winter Games.
