Alpine Canada has launched a five-year plan, titled "Made for Canada - The Futue for Ski Racing in Canada", to become one of the world's best ski-racing nations ©Getty Images

Alpine Canada has announced its ambitions to become one of the world's best ski-racing nations through a five-year strategic plan, titled "Made for Canada – The Future for Ski Racing in Canada".

The plan aims to help the country top the medal rankings in alpine, para-alpine and ski cross disciplines in the next two Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

"In a year that we celebrated 100 years of ski racing, we took the opportunity to rethink our strategy to ensure it best meets the needs of our athletes and carves a path towards a better future for the broader ski community as we kick off the next century," said Therese Brisson, Alpine Canada President and chief executive.

"The plan articulates the vision, priorities, and commitments needed to be a world-leading ski racing nation and achieve our dual mission to increase podium performances and inspire growth in participation and fans."

Made for Canada – The Future for Ski Racing in Canada identifies four strategies to deliver the aims: to improve the development of younger athletes; increase coaching capacity and member services; host race events; and grow the brand.

"We are optimistic about our future and focused on building capacity and resources to deliver on our ambitions," said Tim Dattels, chair of the Board of Alpine Canada. 

"We see a convergence of dynamics – new leadership, renewed strategic focus, a newly-elected FIS [International Ski Federation] President with a North American growth agenda, and the potential for a 2030 Vancouver/Whistler bid – that could make this one of the most exciting decades for ski racing in Canada, ever."

Brady Leman was ruled out of the 2020-2021 FIS Ski Cross World Cup season after injuring his knee in Georgia ©Getty Images
Brady Leman was ruled out of the 2020-2021 FIS Ski Cross World Cup season after injuring his knee in Georgia ©Getty Images

The strategy will be good news for Brady Leman, who is set to defend his Olympic ski cross gold medal at Beijing 2022.

"I’m seeing it as a unique opportunity," Leman said.

"There’s a bit of pressure, but I’m looking at it as a bonus lap."

Leman was forced out of action for last season after suffering a knee injury but is seeing the bright side for a situation that could have been much worse.

"I needed a wake-up call like that 2020-21 season," Leman continued.

"It’s easy after 10+ years and 10 pretty solid years to get into routines, go through the motions and expect the results to come, but we needed to make some changes."