In 2016, the Arctic Winter Games found their way to Nuuk — a small northern town where fjords sparkle and people know how to welcome you with a warm meal and a warmer smile. It was the first time Greenland hosted the event on its own, and it felt like the entire North had gathered in one place. Athletes came with wide eyes and warm mittens. Volunteers waited with open arms. The fjords stood still, listening.
Nuuk was ready, and it didn’t disappoint.
Sports and Something More
They came from everywhere – from the shores of Alaska, the snowy stretches of Yamal, from Nunavut and Northern Alberta. Each brought not just their uniforms and flags, but a little piece of home, a spirit of friendship, and their own northern light. Young athletes competed in everything from biathlon and alpine skiing to Inuit and Dene games, proving that sport is not only about course but also about laughter in the snow, handshakes after races, and cheers in dozens of languages.
Culture in the Spotlight
AWG 2016 wasn’t only about competition. Performances, exhibitions, and storytelling gave voice to Arctic cultures — Inuit drums, northern dances, and stories that stretch far beyond the horizon. For many, these cultural moments were just as moving as the games themselves.
Together Under One Sky
Schools became athlete villages. Local halls turned into concert stages. Nuuk’s community offered not just spaces, but hearts. Whether you were a visitor or a local, the experience felt shared.
Looking Back, Stepping Forward
AWG 2016 left behind more than medals and photos. It built bridges between regions, friendships that still last, and memories carried like lucky charms. It showed that even under snow, something warm can grow — and that the Arctic is never too far away when people gather with purpose.