August 8, 2026 - (Whitehorse, Yukon) The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) has awarded the 2028 Arctic Winter Games to Fairbanks, Alaska, restoring the Games to their traditional two-year cycle and returning the event to one of the movement’s most experienced host communities.

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. Over the following four months, the Fairbanks 2028 Host Society worked with AWGIC through a structured review and due diligence process to demonstrate that it met the governance, operational and financial requirements established by the Board of Directors.

Working with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, the State of Alaska, and numerous community partners, the Host Society demonstrated the community’s readiness to host the Games. On July 31, 2026, the AWGIC Board of Directors formally awarded the 2028 Arctic Winter Games to the Fairbanks 2028 Host Society.

“This was an extraordinary proposal from the Fairbanks community at a pivotal moment for the Arctic Winter Games movement,” said John Rodda, AWGIC President. “Their initiative, collaboration and determination made it possible to restore the Games to their traditional two-year cycle. We congratulate everyone involved and look forward to working together to deliver an outstanding Arctic Winter Games experience in 2028.”

Fairbanks previously hosted the Arctic Winter Games in 1982, 1988, and 2014, earning an international reputation for exceptional hospitality, dedicated volunteers, and memorable experiences for athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors from across the circumpolar North.

“This has been a thorough, collaborative process from start to finish,” said Moira Lassen, AWGIC Executive Director. “Today’s decision marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Arctic Winter Games. We look forward to working with the Fairbanks 2028 Host Society, our participating contingents, sport partners, and volunteers to deliver an exceptional Games experience for northern youth across the circumpolar North.”

Planning for the 2028 Arctic Winter Games begins immediately. Restoring the Games to their traditional two-year cycle provides greater certainty for participating contingents, athletes, officials, volunteers, and future host communities, while strengthening long-term planning across the Arctic Winter Games movement.

Additional information, including the dates for the 2028 Arctic Winter Games, will be announced in the coming weeks. The AWGIC extends its sincere appreciation to the Fairbanks 2028 Host Society, the State of Alaska, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, community partners, and the many volunteers whose commitment and collaboration made this achievement possible.