Pressure cookers, soccer balls, teapots… We’ve seen it all on social media in recent weeks. Curling has undoubtedly become the most viral sport of these 2026 Winter Olympics. Certainly less adrenaline-fueled than skeleton or freestyle skiing, curling and its athletes have made us dream in front of the TV with perfect shots and impeccable strategies. It’s an uncommon sport in Italy, but it has brought us satisfaction (and a bronze medal) right here at home in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and now everyone wants to try it (even Snoop Dogg!).
It looks easy, but it’s not. Curling, literally ‘the art of throwing stones on ice’, originated in Scotland in the 16th century and only arrived in Italy in 1981. It is played with polished granite stones weighing 20 kg each, which slide across the ice thanks to the brooms used by teammates to polish the surface and control the trajectory. The “balls” are thrown by the players by sliding them across the ice in such a position that, if you are not trained, you are sure to pull a muscle.
“Curling mania” in Milan
It’s fair to say that curling mania has arrived in Milan, with a boom in interest among Milanese people for this fascinating winter sport. There are a couple of places in the city where you can try it out and see if it’s for you. If you’re seriously interested and looking for a reputable school to try the sport, the Milano Curling Club in the Sesto San Giovanni area is the place for you.
If you want to try it in a more playful way and for free, until February 22, you can find curling stations in various fan villages around Milan, such as the one in Piazza del Cannone or at Casa Brasile, but reservations are required.
Olympic activities to try in Milan: cross-country skiing, hockey, and much more
Have you already tried curling and it’s not for you? No problem, you can always tryhockey! In the fan village in Piazza del Cannone, you can try your hand at shooting the puck, the typical ice hockey disc. At CityLife, on the other hand, you can launch yourself down a small slope inside a large doughnut, a bit like being on a bobsled… but without reaching 130 km/h! Finally, at “Casa Lombardia 2026,” in Piazza Città di Lombardia 1 in Milan, you can try cross-country skiing.
Even in the evening, the city offers a couple of Olympic activities not to be missed, first and foremost the showat the Arco della Pace, where the Olympic flame burns. For about 5 minutes at the stroke of every hour starting at 6:00 p.m., the arch is illuminated with lights and music by Roberto Cacciapaglia. Staying on the musical theme, Candlelight offers a couple of tributes to true champions, where you can listen to “We are the Champions” by candlelight or “Vita spericolata” ( a bit like that of Moguls athletes).