With the 2026 B.C. Winter Games less than two months away, Trail and Rossland are entering the final stretch of preparations, and the call for volunteers is only growing louder.
The Games will bring over 1,200 athletes and coaches to the region from Feb. 25 to March 1, 2026, competing in 15 different sports across multiple venues.
Organizers say they’ll need close to 1,700 volunteers to help make it all happen.
Games board president Brian Stefani stressed the scale of what’s ahead.
“There are 15 different sports, and you can appreciate there’s a large number of organizational and logistical challenges to get that done,” he said.
“So we are looking for volunteers, and if you can help, that would be much appreciated.”
To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit bcgames.org.
Third time’s a charm
The countdown to the 2026 Games officially began on Nov. 27, when hundreds gathered at the Trail Memorial Centre gym for a torchlighting ceremony.
With pipers and a Royal Canadian Legion honour guard leading the way, local athletes, dignitaries, and longtime sports champions helped usher in the Games spirit.
“What a special moment it is for our region,” said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “Trail and Rossland cohosting the 2026 BC Winter Games, I think all of us feel a real sense of pride in that. We may be two separate cities, but we are one community when it comes to supporting our young people, our volunteers, and the amazing spirit of the Kootenays.”
Rossland Mayor Andy Morel echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collaboration among neighbouring communities and the two regional districts spanning Trail, Rossland, and Castlegar.
With upwards of 1,800 visitors expected, he noted it could take nearly as many volunteers to support the event, making community involvement absolutely critical.
He underscored the goal of making the 2026 BC Winter Games the best yet, and closed his remarks with a rallying call to the crowd: “Welcome to the 2026 Winter Games — let it snow!”
Past Games
The Games mark the third time the region has hosted the provincial multi-sport event.
Trail first hosted the B.C. Winter Games in 1982, a snowy and spirited year that brought more than 2,500 athletes to the city.
The Games’ inaugural run was in Kamloops in 1979, followed by Kimberley and Prince George before landing in the Silver City.
“The enthusiasm from the citizens and athletes of Trail to host the Games was ‘unprecedented’ and largely influenced the Games committee to consider the Silver City,” said Addison Oberg of the Trail Museum and Archives.
“Another large driving force for the decision was former Mayor Chuck Lakes and his firm belief that such a large championship should be suitably hosted in the Home of Champions.”
With volunteers, school facilities, and strong community support, the 1982 Games were a major success.
Twenty-four years later, Trail once again stepped up to host the 2006 B.C. Winter Games: another clear success built on regional teamwork.
“All the athletes had to do was show off their talents,” said Oberg.
“With Rossland and Trail hosting in 2026, hopefully the spirit of this momentous event will be captured again.”