This is one of the buses used to transport athletes for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Games Council)

By meadowlakeNOW Staff

WEATHER

Travel for Sask. Winter Games delayed due to snowfall, road conditions

Feb 18, 2026 | 1:03 PM

Travel plans for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games have been delayed as heavy snowfall and poor road conditions affect parts of the province.

In a travel update issued Wednesday morning, the Saskatchewan Games Council said it is closely monitoring significant snowfall in Meadow Lake and snowfall warnings across several regions ahead of scheduled team departures.

The council said it is working with the host organizing committee and transportation partners to assess highway conditions and determine contingency plans.

“All routes have been delayed as of 7:30 a.m. on February 18,” the update said.

Specific route information will be shared through each district’s team chef de mission, the council added. Updates regarding travel from Meadow Lake are expected later in the day.

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The council said the safety of athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers remains its top priority in accordance with its Safe Travel Policy.

Further updates are expected as conditions evolve.

Meanwhile, as of 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, Saskatoon leads the medal standings from today’s competition with five gold, five silver and seven bronze medals. Regina has captured two gold, three silver and one bronze, all in table tennis. Lakeland has earned one gold in table tennis, while host district Rivers West has yet to reach the podium.  Click here to view the full medal count for all the teams.

As of 4 p.m. the Games Council released the following information:

Updated Travel Plans

Due to current conditions:

District Teams postponing travel until Thursday, February 19:

• Regina
• Prairie Central
• South East
• Lakeland
• North

District Teams currently travelling and expected to arrive in Meadow Lake on Wednesday, February 18:

• South West
• Saskatoon
• Parkland Valley
• Rivers West

Route-specific updates, departure times, and further instructions will be communicated directly to participants and families by their respective District Team Chef de Mission via email.

Participants and families are asked to monitor email closely for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will second-half competitions still take place?

A: Yes. Second-half competitions will proceed with a revised schedule. Sport schedules may be adjusted to reflect travel delays and available competition/venue time. Updated schedules will be posted at https://skg2026.gems.pro and shared with teams once approved. All posted schedules remain subject to change.

Q: I am a participant in the first half of the Games. When will I travel home?

A: First-half departure times are being adjusted to align with bus arrivals. District Teams will receive updated departure times from their Chef de Mission once confirmed. No teams will depart until travel is deemed safe given road conditions.

If you are a member of one of the District Teams whose second-half arrival has been postponed until Thursday, you will be able to remain in your accommodations at the Athletes’ Village on Wednesday night. Meals, activities and entertainment will be provided for the remainder of your stay.

If you are a member of one of the District Teams whose second-half transportation is still set to arrive today, you will depart for your home communities this evening. District Team Chef de Missions for all affected Districts will share specific details and timeframes with their participants.

Q: What time will my bus leave if it has been postponed until Thursday?

A: Your District Team Chef de Mission will provide confirmed departure times directly to participants and families. Please do not arrive at departure locations until you receive confirmation.

Q: Can first-half participants be picked up by their families today in order to travel home? 

A: Participants may travel home with their parents/guardians in lieu of travelling home on team buses, but all travel releases must be approved by their District Team Chef de Mission.

Q: Will accommodations and meals still be available if arrival is delayed?

A: Yes. The Host Organizing Committee is adjusting accommodations and meal times to reflect revised arrival times for those participants travelling to the Games today. District Teams will receive updated check-in instructions as they are confirmed. All participants currently residing in the Athletes’ Village and unable to travel home on buses today will remain in their accommodations for an additional night, with all meals provided.

Q: Where can I find the most current information?

A:

• Direct email updates from your District Team Chef de Mission
• saskgames.ca

If you have urgent concerns, please contact your District Team Chef de Mission directly.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com