Cortina ice tech draws attention for moonwalk pebbling

Mark Callan, head ice technician for curling at Cortina, has drawn attention for a moonwalk-style shuffle while misting the ice; he and his team prepare sheets by pebbling purified Dolomite water and closely controlling temperature, humidity and other conditions.

Mark Callan, the head ice technician for curling at the Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, has become a visible figure after videos of his moonwalk-style shuffle while misting the ice circulated online. The nickname referenced on social platforms reflects that brief viral attention. Callan’s work focuses on preparing championship curling ice through a layered process called pebbling, using purified water from the Dolomites and precise environmental controls. The role combines water treatment, mechanical systems and close monitoring during the tournament. Ice preparation details: - Callan sprays de-ionized Dolomite water to create pebble on each sheet; about 20,000 liters of Italian water will be purified and used by the end of the Games, according to the article. - The venue has four curling sheets prepared with glycol pipes beneath the concrete that move roughly 7,000 liters of below-freezing glycol per minute to freeze the droplets on contact. - Pebbling is layered using different nozzle sizes so smaller pebbles sit lower and larger pebbles sit on top to be worn down by player sweeping. - The team monitors an array of 12 ice thermometers plus stadium temperature, humidity and the ice dew point; frost is described as a serious problem for stones. - Ice technicians work long schedules during the event, about 17 hours a day across 18 days of curling, and they adjust the surface between matches. - Some athletes have at times criticized ice conditions; the article notes a specific complaint from a Canadian mixed doubles player and a reaction from a Canadian ice tech. Summary: Callan’s routine has highlighted the detailed, technical work required to produce championship curling ice, combining water quality, layering and environmental monitoring. Ice technicians will continue to manage and adjust the sheets throughout the round-robin and the remainder of the curling schedule.