In 1968 Governor Walter Hickel, Alaska, joined Commissioners Stuart Hodgson, Northwest Territories, and James Smith, Yukon Territories, in incorporating the Arctic Winter Games Corporation. One of the main objectives of the Games was to involve as many athletes as possible and to provide a forum of competition for those other than elite athletes with competitive opportunities in the southern provinces and states. The underlying philosophy behind the Games is to promote athletic competition, cultural exhibition and social interchange. The first Games were held in Yellowknife in 1970 and have been held biennially in even-numbered years since then in the various participating areas.

Initially, six directors, two each from Alaska, the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territory, headed the Corporation. In addition, to their responsibilities to the international corporation, the two Alaska directors also coordinated Alaska’s participation in the Games. As the number of sports and participants grew, it became too burdensome for Alaska’s directors to oversee both the international and Alaskan programs. In order to address this problem, Alaskans incorporated the Arctic Winter Games Corporation of Alaska in 1977 to coordinate the Alaska contingent in the Games. This organization changed its name to Arctic Winter Games Team Alaska in 1991.

A Board of Directors, composed of private citizens, oversees the corporation and hires a Chef de Mission to coordinate the selection of sports coordinators, coaches and athletes. The Chef also selects a Mission staff to assist during the weeklong competition. Although selected by the Board, the Chef de Mission was a volunteer position through the 1990 Games and usually began work about six months before the actual staging of the Games. In 1992 the Board hired a paid Chef on a temporary, part-time basis. Since 1996 the Board has hired a Chef on a contractual, permanent basis. AWGTA derives its income from capital appropriations and grants from the state, private and corporate donations, and membership dues. It also receives in-kind income from sponsors and donated time.

The Games have been held in Alaska four times: 1974 in Anchorage; 1982 and 1988 in Fairbanks; and 1996 in Chugiak-Eagle River. AWGTA is never involved in putting on the Games in Alaska. Separate non-profit organizations incorporate to carry out the preparation, fundraising and staging of the Games themselves. These organizations are known as Host Societies.