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Fairbanks skates away with 2028 Arctic Winter Games
AWG International Committee returns games to two-year cycle; GNWT supportive, reminds potential Team NT members to get passports
The Arctic Winter Games International Committee has awarded the 2028 Arctic Winter Games to Fairbanks, Alaska, restoring the Games to their traditional two-year cycle, say organizers.
In April 2026, following the International Committee‘s transition to a temporary three-year Games cycle, community leaders in Fairbanks submitted a proposal to host the 2028 Arctic Winter Games, stated a release.
Committee president John Rodda stated: ”This was an extraordinary proposal from the Fairbanks community at a pivotal moment for the Arctic Winter Games movement. Their initiative, collaboration and determination made it possible to restore the Games to their traditional two-year cycle.”
The GNWT announced that Team NT leadership will begin preparations to assemble and support the Northwest Territories contingent for the 2028 Games.
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- Team NT was all smiles during the parade of athletes through downtown Whitehorse leading to the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games on Sunday night. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Because participation in the 2028 Arctic Winter Games will require international travel to the United States, all athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff, and other participants will require a valid passport, stated a release.
Those who do not currently have a valid passport are encouraged to apply for or renew one as soon as possible.
NWT Minister Vince McKay, responsible for amateur sport, stated: ”We look forward to supporting Team NT as preparations begin for the 2028 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks.”
Over the coming months, Team NT leadership team will work closely with Territorial sport organizations to confirm athlete selection processes, eligibility requirements, and key timelines for each sport.
Information regarding team selection, registration, and preparation activities will be shared with athletes, coaches, and the public as it becomes available.
Fairbanks previously hosted the Arctic Winter Games in 1982, 1988, and 2014, the Committee stating the community earned, “an international reputation for exceptional hospitality, dedicated volunteers, and memorable experiences for athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors from across the circumpolar North,” read the release.
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- Holding a Tłįcho flag, members of Team NT were all smiles during the parade of athletes through downtown Whitehorse leading to the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in March. (CKLB files)
