The elected host city was announced on 14 September 2012 by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.

The Games is an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture held for a week, each time with a different nation or region as the host.

The Games contributes to creating an awareness on cultural diversity, and develops athletes to participate in the competitions with the focus on fair play.

Around 4,000 people were involved in 2016 Arctic Winter Games, including all competitors and participants in sports and cultural events.

Led by a General Manager, the day-to-day operations and the practical work are handled by the AWG2016 Secretariat.

Workshops on a number of cultural, artistic and sports areas were open throughout the Arctic Winter Games.

[7][10] At each Arctic Winter Games, the AWG International Committee presents the Hodgson Trophy to the contingent whose athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play and team spirit.

The Alaskan team and delegation won the Hodgson Trophy at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games.