With the Winter Olympics 2026 just around the corner, Google is building the excitement with an interactive Doodle ahead of the Milano Cortina Games, which officially begins in just two days on February 6. The Doodle shines a spotlight on the sport of curling, celebrating winter sports as the world gears up for the big event.
Today’s Google Doodle, themed “The Spirit of the Slopes,” features an animated sequence showcasing the snowy landscapes of Northern Italy and the range of winter sports athletes are gearing up for. The artwork weaves in subtle references to Italian culture, including regional flora and design cues inspired by winter gear from past Italian-hosted Games.
The search engine also developed an engaging mini-game for users, featuring a stylized, low-poly skiing and snowboarding experience. Players navigate through alpine gates to discover interesting facts about the host cities, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
What is Sport of Curling?
Curling, often called “chess on ice,” is a precision team sport in which players slide polished granite stones across a sheet of ice toward a circular target known as the house. Strategy plays a central role, with teammates sweeping the ice to control the stone’s speed and direction.
Originated in 16th-century Scotland, played on frozen lochs and ponds
Made its Olympic debut in 1924 at the Chamonix Games (later retroactively recognised)
Became a permanent Winter Olympics sport in 1998
At the Winter Olympics 2026, curling events are being held in Cortina
The Mixed Doubles preliminary round began on February 4
The 2026 Winter Olympics, formally referred to as Milano Cortina 2026, are set to commence this Friday, February 6, and will wrap up on February 22. The competitions will take place throughout Northern Italy, mainly in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with additional events held in Valtellina, Val di Fiemme, and Anterselva.