Andrew Baker is set to take the reins as the new president and chief executive officer of Alpine Canada, succeeding Therese Brisson, who recently transitioned to the role of CEO at Skate Canada after a six-year tenure. Baker, who spent 21 years in various roles at the Canadian Olympic Committee and most recently served as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will officially join Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages approximately 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches across 200 clubs nationwide, as reported in the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races within Canada.
Notable upcoming events include two women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, scheduled for December, and a World Cup ski cross event set for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s appointment comes at the beginning of a new Olympic cycle leading to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Having been actively involved in lobbying efforts for increased core funding for national sport organizations during his time at the COC, Baker expressed enthusiasm about the recent federal government announcement of a $755 million investment in high-performance sports over the next five years, with $660 million designated for national sport organizations like Alpine Canada.
Baker highlighted the rich history and current excellence within alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines as key factors that drew him to Alpine Canada. He emphasized the importance of better funding and support for athletes to not only enhance their performance but also inspire the next generation.
Looking ahead, Baker acknowledged the achievements of Alpine Canada in meeting its world championship and Olympic/Paralympic medal targets but noted the absence of Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the recent Milan Cortina Games. Despite this, Canadian Para alpine athletes secured a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
In anticipation of the 2030 Winter Games, discussions are ongoing regarding the return of men’s speed races in the West Coast, with potential venues in Whistler or Panorama, British Columbia being considered as replacements for the discontinued events in Lake Louise, Alberta. The federal government’s commitment to investing $50 million in hosting international sports events and the recent allocation of $3.65 million for upgrades at alpine training centers and ski cross facilities demonstrate a promising future for Canadian athletes on the pathway to success in 2030.
