The Alberta Winter Games return to the Lakeland from February 13–16, 2026, and the region is bracing for one of its biggest sporting undertakings in decades. With Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Glendon sharing hosting duties, more than 2,300 young athletes and coaches are set to arrive, joined by an estimated 5,000 family members and spectators.

But to pull it off, the Games need something only the Lakeland can provide: volunteers. A lot of them.

Snow, Sports and a Region Ready to Shine

Games Chair and former Cold Lake mayor Craig Copeland said the winter weather has already been a good omen.

“We’re lucky with the weather, getting a good base. There are quite a few outdoor sports, from biathlon and cross-country skiing to downhill and freestyle.”

For comparison, Copeland recalled the 2024 Games in Grande Prairie. “Two years ago in Grande Prairie, they didn’t have any snow. Their hill was a little interesting.”

This year, Lakeland’s natural landscape and facilities are expected to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes.

The 2026 Games will feature 18 events in total, including several hosted outdoors at Kinosoo Ridge and Murray Lake.

A Massive Influx: 2,353 Athletes and Coaches

Games Manager Violet Lapointe confirmed the latest tally.

There are 2,353 athletes and coaches. That’s a lot of people.”
And with those athletes come the larger wave: parents, grandparents, and supporters. “If you average it out, it’s probably two people per kid.”

Hotels across the region are already nearing capacity. “They almost already are,” Lapointe added.

Athletes will arrive by bus on February 13, with families expected as early as the day before. Schools in Bonnyville and Cold Lake, including Francophone schools, will transform into athlete villages for the long weekend.

Feeding the Games, Locally

With thousands of people to feed, organisers made a deliberate choice to keep their dollars close to home.

“We’re gonna be feeding the athletes all with local caterers,” Copeland said. “We decided to try to keep as much of this business local.”

Lapointe echoed the commitment. “Everyone’s really coming together as we enter this stage of the journey.”

From Glendon to the C2: A Full Regional Showcase

Every corner of the Lakeland has a role to play.

• Ringette in Glendon, which Copeland called “one of the most exciting sports. Those fans are crazy.”

• Volleyball and gymnastics in the Cold Lake Energy Centre field house.

• Fencing at École des Beaux-Lacs in Bonnyville.

• Badminton, swimming and speed skating at JJ Parr.

Some events, such as volleyball, were redesigned to improve the spectator experience following congestion issues at past Games.

A Serious Volunteer Gap: Only One-Third Signed Up

Despite strong community support, the biggest challenge remains volunteers.

Copeland didn’t hold back. “We need a lot of people to step forward. It’s a big challenge.”

Lapointe estimates they currently have about one-third of the 1,500 volunteers needed.

“Oh boy,” host Jena Colbourne responded – echoing what many are thinking.

Still, Copeland remains optimistic, knowing that Lakeland has a pattern of stepping up. “It’s usually a last-minute walk-up. That’s what it’s like here.”

But the organizers are urging people not to wait. There is work before, during and after the Games, from sorting athlete kits to building villages to feeding 1,200 athletes at 5:30 in the morning.

“If you don’t know what you want to do, email us, and we can find a slot for you,” Copeland said.

Torch Relay, Opening Ceremonies and Community Spirit

A major highlight will be the ATCO Torch Relay, featuring municipal leaders, community champions and youth athletes. It culminates in a ceremony at Imperial Oil Place in Cold Lake. Tickets are already selling quickly.

“Those tickets do sell out,” Lapointe said. “It’s going to be spectacular.”

Volunteering, however, offers the best seat in the house.

ATCO will also host a free community barbecue on 15 January at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre as part of the torch festivities.

Local Sponsors Step Up

Lapointe highlighted several early, high-impact sponsors:

• Lakeland Co-op, official fuel sponsor

• Cenovus Energy, official opening ceremony sponsor

• Strathcona Resources, volunteer programme sponsor

“These ones really jumped ahead and wanted to lead the way,” she said.

A Once-in-20-Years Moment

“This is a once-in-20-years opportunity,” Copeland said. The last time Lakeland hosted the Winter Games was in 2010, and the province specifically asked the region to take it on again because of that event’s success.

“Everybody’s watching how we do,” he added.

Still, Lapointe has no doubt the Lakeland is up for it.

“Our community won’t let it fail.”