Andrew Baker is set to take the reins as the new president and CEO of Alpine Canada, succeeding Therese Brisson, who recently transitioned to the role of CEO at Skate Canada after six years of service. Baker, who spent 21 years in various capacities at the Canadian Olympic Committee and most recently served as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will commence his role at Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada is responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, catering to approximately 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches spread across 200 clubs nationwide, as per the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Scheduled events include two women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Que., in December and a World Cup ski cross event in March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada marks the beginning of a new Olympic cycle leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
The 43-year-old Montreal native was actively involved in the COC’s advocacy efforts for increased core funding for national sport organizations. The federal government announced a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with a subsequent annual allocation of $118 million.
Baker expressed enthusiasm for his new role, highlighting the rich history and current excellence in alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He emphasized the importance of funding and support for athletes to not only enhance their performances but also inspire future generations.
While ski cross falls under the freestyle ski category internationally, Alpine Canada oversees the sport domestically as a speed discipline. Despite meeting its world championship and Olympic/Paralympic medal targets, Canada did not secure any alpine skiing or ski cross medals at the recent Milan Cortina Games. Canadian Para alpine athletes, however, clinched a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
Looking ahead to 2030, Alpine Canada is exploring options to reintroduce men’s speed races, with Whistler or Panorama, B.C., being considered as potential venues. The federal government’s additional funding for international sports events and upgrades to alpine training centers indicate a positive outlook for Canadian athletes heading into the 2030 Winter Games.