Andrew Baker is set to take over as the next president and CEO of Alpine Canada, aiming to build on his past contributions to the organization. He will succeed Therese Brisson, who recently moved on to lead Skate Canada after six years at the helm.
With a background of 21 years at the Canadian Olympic Committee, Baker most recently served as the COC’s chief external affairs officer before joining Alpine Canada in September. Alpine Canada manages alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, overseeing around 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches in 200 clubs nationwide.
In addition to national programs, Alpine Canada also hosts international World Cup races in Canada. Notable upcoming events include women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, and a World Cup ski cross in Craigleith, Ontario, scheduled for December and March, respectively.
Baker’s arrival coincides with the lead-up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, a new Olympic cycle that presents fresh opportunities for Canadian athletes. The government’s recent commitment of $755 million over five years to high-performance sports, with a subsequent annual allocation of $118 million, will directly benefit organizations like Alpine Canada.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Baker highlighted the rich sporting history and current excellence within alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He emphasized the importance of funding and support for athletes to inspire future generations, echoing the advocacy efforts he championed at the COC.
Despite meeting world championship and Olympic targets, Canada faced a medal drought in alpine skiing and ski cross at the Milan Cortina Games earlier this year. Para alpine athletes managed a silver and four bronze medals, underscoring the need for ongoing improvement and strategic adjustments.
Looking ahead, Baker acknowledged the evolving landscape of international competitions, with Canada no longer hosting World Cup downhill or super-G races. The government’s commitment to funding international events and upgrading training centers signals a promising future for Canadian athletes aiming to shine at the 2030 Winter Games.
