Andrew Baker is set to take over as the next president and CEO of Alpine Canada, succeeding Therese Brisson, who has moved on to lead Skate Canada after a six-year tenure. Baker, who previously served in various roles at the Canadian Olympic Committee for 21 years, most recently as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will assume his new position 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, according to the organization’s 2025 annual report. The organization also hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Upcoming events on Alpine Canada’s calendar include two women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, in December and a World Cup ski cross event scheduled 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.
Having played a key role in advocating for increased core funding for national sport organizations during his time at the COC, Baker expressed enthusiasm for the current state of Canadian sports. He highlighted the excellence in alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines while emphasizing the importance of funding and support for athletes to inspire future generations.
Although Canada met its world championship and Olympic medal targets as outlined in its strategic plan, the country did not secure any Olympic medals in alpine skiing or ski cross at the recent Milan Cortina Games. However, Canadian Para alpine athletes managed to clinch a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
Looking ahead, Baker emphasized the need for continuous improvement, acknowledging that there is always more work to be done to achieve desired results. While Canada no longer hosts World Cup downhill or super-G races, efforts are being made to potentially bring back a men’s speed race to the West Coast, with Whistler or Panorama in British Columbia being considered as new venues.
With additional government funding allocated for hosting international sports events and upgrades to training centers, including alpine facilities in Panorama and Whistler, as well as ski cross at Alberta’s Nakiska Ski Resort, Baker is optimistic about the development of a strong pipeline of athletes leading up to the 2030 Winter Games.