Although Sweden, Canada, Switzerland and Scotland are dominant, many eyes will be on host nation Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to reigning Olympic and world curling champions Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner in mixed doubles.
Regardless of which country wins the gold medal, the real focus during the Olympics this year may be on the cool gadgets used by curlers. Somewhat similar to the game of shuffleboard played with brooms and stones, curling has seen some very interesting advancements in the gear used on the ice.
Apart from raw skill and strategy, here’s everything you need to know about the state of the game.
scottish stone
Almost every curling stone – the round rock that slides down the ice – comes from the same place: Ailsa Crag. The 99-hectare island site in the Firth of Clyde Inlet off the west coast of Scotland is known for its granite, and by extension its ability to provide ample quantities of outfitting curlers around the world.
Each stone should weigh between 19.96 and 17.24 kg and is made from one of two varieties of Scottish granite, common green and blue honed. These two types are the most resistant to heat and moisture and to cracks and condensation that can form when stones slide through 28 meters of ice during competitions.
The stones used in the Olympics as well as the World Championships are produced by Cass of Scotland. Many curling stones also come from Canada Curling Stone. (The sport has seen a recent surge in popularity in Canada.) Both companies produce the stones using a careful process of grinding and polishing.
broom boom
Apart from stones, the main equipment needed to curl is brooms and shoes – this is where the advancements in gear really come to the fore. For one, there are plenty of sensors and microchips that allow players to manage the power of their throws.
For another, there are new and improved brooms that allow cleaners to maximize their skills. More than anything, sweeping requires curlers dexterity, physicality and coordination. But beyond that, good tools don’t hurt.
“Broom technology remains a major focus as the physical demands of the sport continue to evolve, and one of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between weight, strength and effective energy transfer,” says Dale Matchett, general manager of curling equipment company BalancePlus.
Like any type of sports equipment, the quality depends on how much a team or player is willing to spend. Carbon fiber brooms are best for their combination of strength and lightness. Composite fiber works well for intermediate players. Fiberglass is the cheapest option. The handle and bearing of a broom affect its weight and cleaning efficiency.
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