Andrew Baker is set to take over as the new president and CEO of Alpine Canada, following Therese Brisson’s departure to lead Skate Canada after six years. Baker, who spent 21 years in various roles at the Canadian Olympic Committee, most recently serving as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will join Alpine Canada in September.

Alpine Canada is responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing, as well as ski cross, with approximately 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches in 200 clubs nationwide, according to the organization’s 2025 annual report. The organization also manages international World Cup races in Canada.

Two women’s giant slaloms are planned for Mont-Tremblant, Que., in December, while a World Cup ski cross event is scheduled for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada coincides with the beginning of another Olympic quadrennial leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.

At 43 years old, hailing from Montreal, Baker played a key role in the COC’s efforts to advocate for increased core funding for national sport organizations. The federal government recently announced a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with $660 million allocated over the initial five-year period and $110 million annually thereafter going directly to organizations like Alpine Canada.

Expressing his excitement for the future of Canadian sport, Baker highlighted the rich history of excellence in alpine skiing, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He emphasized the importance of funding and support for athletes to inspire the next generation and bring potential to fruition.

Looking ahead, Alpine Canada met its world championship and Olympic/Paralympic medal targets as outlined in its 2021-26 strategic plan. Despite not securing Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the Milan Cortina Games earlier this year, Canadian Para alpine athletes clinched a silver and four bronze medals. Baker acknowledged the need for continuous improvement and praised the ongoing efforts of Canadian athletes.

Canada no longer hosts World Cup downhill or super-G races, with the end of the long-standing men’s and women’s downhills in Lake Louise, Alta., in 2022 due to economic considerations. Plans are in motion for a men’s speed race on the West Coast, potentially in Whistler or Panorama, B.C.

Additionally, the federal government allocated an extra $50 million over five years for hosting international sports events and invested $3.65 million in upgrading alpine training centers at Panorama and Whistler, as well as enhancing ski cross facilities at Alberta’s Nakiska Ski Resort. Baker highlighted the positive impact of these investments on athlete development and the upcoming 2030 Winter Games.