Andrew Baker is set to take on the role of president and CEO of Alpine Canada, aiming to capitalize on his past contributions to the organization. He will be succeeding Therese Brisson, who recently transitioned to the position of CEO at Skate Canada after a six-year tenure.
Having served various roles at the Canadian Olympic Committee for over two decades, including his most recent position as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, Baker brings a wealth of experience to Alpine Canada. His appointment is scheduled for September.
Alpine Canada is responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, boasting approximately 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches across 200 clubs nationwide, as per the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Noteworthy events on the horizon include two women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, in December and a World Cup ski cross event planned for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada coincides with the beginning of a new Olympic cycle leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Hailing from Montreal, the 43-year-old was actively involved in the COC’s efforts to advocate for increased core funding for national sport organizations. In April, the federal government announced a substantial injection of $755 million into high-performance sport over the next five years, with a subsequent annual allocation of $118 million.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Baker emphasized the rich history and current excellence within alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines in Canada. He highlighted the potential for enhanced funding and athlete support to not only drive performance but also inspire the next generation of athletes.
While ski cross falls under the freestyle ski umbrella globally, Alpine Canada manages the sport domestically as a speed discipline.
Alpine Canada successfully met its world championship and Olympic/Paralympic medal targets outlined in the 2021-26 strategic plan. However, Canada did not secure any Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the recent Milan Cortina Games, where Canadian Para alpine athletes claimed a silver and four bronze medals.
Looking ahead to 2030, plans are underway to reintroduce men’s speed races on the West Coast, with locations such as Whistler or Panorama, British Columbia, being considered as potential hosts. The federal government’s commitment to allocate an additional $50 million over the next five years for hosting international sports events underscores ongoing support for the sports sector.
Recent government investments of $3.65 million in alpine training center upgrades at Panorama and Whistler, as well as ski cross facilities at Nakiska Ski Resort in Alberta, are expected to bolster athlete development leading up to the 2030 Winter Games. Baker anticipates that these funding initiatives will provide athletes with the necessary resources to excel over the next quadrennial.