Published 12:36 pm Wednesday, December 10, 2025 By James McCarthy Northern News Services The Arctic Winter Games as we know them right now are about to undergo perhaps the biggest change in recent memory. The AWG International Committee announced on Dec. 5 that the Games will shift from a two-year hosting cycle to three years following the 2026 edition in Whitehorse in March. That means the next AWG will be held in 2029 instead of 2028, while the 2030 AWG will now be pushed back to 2032 under the planned change. John Rodda, president of the international committee, stated that the move to a three-year cycle should give the hosting jurisdictions a chance to make it a success. “This is a practical and forward-looking decision that reflects the scope of the Arctic Winter Games and the capacity needed to deliver them effectively,” stated Rodda. “A three-year cycle through 2032 provides additional time for sustainable, efficient preparation and operational readiness.” Rodda indicated that the move might not be permanent and he added that the international committee would “continue assessing scheduling within the context of the long-term viability of the Games and the wider multi-sport calendar.” The announcement stated that all eight of the competing jurisdictions have been told of the move. As well, the international committee stated that there will be what it’s calling a “high-level review” of the operational elements to “support long-term sustainability.” According to the international committee, that will include a look at the size and structure of the AWG, participant numbers and sport program details. There’s also the possibility of adding new jurisdictions to the Games as well.
Arctic Winter Games to move to three-year hosting cycles for now
