Andrew Baker is set to take over as the next president and CEO of Alpine Canada, succeeding Therese Brisson, who has transitioned to the CEO role at Skate Canada after six years. 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 join Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages around 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.
Upcoming events include 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 coincides with the beginning of a new Olympic quadrennial leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
The 43-year-old Montreal native played a key role in lobbying for increased core funding for national sport organizations during his time at the COC. The government recently announced a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with $660 million allocated to national sport organizations like Alpine Canada.
Baker expressed enthusiasm for the sport’s history of excellence and the current high level of performance across alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He highlighted the importance of funding and support for athletes to inspire the next generation.
Despite meeting its world championship and Olympic medal targets, Canada did not secure any Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the Milan Cortina Games in February. Canadian Para alpine athletes did earn a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
Looking ahead to 2030, plans are in motion for a potential return of men’s speed races in Canada, with Whistler or Panorama, British Columbia, being considered as venues. The federal government has also committed additional funding for hosting international sports events and upgrading training centers in Panorama, Whistler, and Nakiska Ski Resort.
Baker emphasized the promising future for Canadian athletes heading into the 2030 Winter Games, with increased resources and infrastructure support paving the way for success.