RefrigiWear® Sponsors Team USA Ice Carving at International Ice Sculpture Competition

Sponsorship brings more than 70 years of extreme-cold expertise to Team USA as elite American ice artists prepare to compete on the world stage

DAHLONEGA, Ga., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of insulated industrial workwear and personal protective equipment for extreme cold, announced today that it will sponsor Team USA Ice Carving as the team represents the United States at the 2027 International Ice Sculpture Competition in Harbin, China.

The sponsorship brings together two groups with a healthy respect for brutal cold. For more than 70 years, RefrigiWear has built insulated apparel for workers who face freezing temperatures in cold storage, food processing, construction, transportation and other demanding environments. Team USA Ice Carving will put that cold-weather expertise to the test as elite American ice artists create a large-scale sculpture under the pressure of international competition.

Harbin is home to one of the world's best-known ice and snow events, with the annual international competition attracting accomplished sculptors to create works from massive blocks of ice in extreme winter conditions. The most recent International Ice Sculpture Competition brought teams together at Harbin Ice and Snow World, continuing the event's long tradition of international competition.

Team USA Ice Carving is led by team manager and master ice sculptor Jim Duggan, founder and creative director of Ice Sculpture, Inc. Duggan brings more than three decades of experience in ice sculpture, competitive carving and live event installations to the team. His career reflects a commitment to precision, artistry and innovation, including competition at the renowned Ice Art World Championship in Fairbanks, Alaska.

"I've been wearing RefrigiWear in my business for about 20 years. It's the most comfortable gear for the freezing conditions we work in, and that level of comfort is what helps Team USA stay focused on the ice and never worry about staying safe in the cold during a competition," says Duggan.

Also joining the team is internationally recognized ice sculptor Aaron Costic, an accomplished competitive artist whose career includes multiple World Ice Art Championship victories. Costic also represented his craft at four Winter Olympic cultural events, earning fourth in Salt Lake City, bronze in Nagano, silver in Milan and gold in Torino. Together, the artists bring technical mastery, creative vision and the competitive drive required to turn blocks of ice into intricate works of art.

"We put a lot of thought into our design and we'll practice carving repeatedly to make sure we're using the tools and techniques that will drive us to victory. Having the protection of RefrigiWear gear helps us stay focused on the work, not on the freezing conditions," says Costic.

Team USA Ice Carving's journey to the international stage is also supported by a distinguished group of sponsors committed to excellence, craftsmanship and performance. As the team's official cold-weather apparel sponsor, RefrigiWear is proud to join Carveco, a leading provider of computer-aided design software for artistic carving and manufacturing applications; Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, one of the Southeast's premier luxury automotive dealerships; and Blue Sky Law, a firm dedicated to helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate complex legal challenges. Together, these organizations are helping Team USA Ice Carving bring American creativity and skill to the world stage.

As Team USA prepares for Harbin, RefrigiWear will provide durable cold-weather gear designed to help the artists stay warm and comfortable while they work. The sponsorship reflects the company's long-standing belief that extreme cold should not stop skilled people from doing what they do best.

"RefrigiWear was built for people who don't get to call it quits when the temperature drops," said Leigh Stadelmeier, OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer and Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales at RefrigiWear.

"That mindset makes Team USA Ice Carving a natural fit for us. These artists will be working against the clock, against the cold and against some of the best talent in the world. We're proud to help them stay focused on the job and represent the United States on an international stage."

For Duggan and Costic, the challenge is equal parts art, athleticism and endurance. Every cut matters. Every detail takes precision. And when the work is done in the cold, the right gear matters, too.

Team USA Ice Carving will carry American craftsmanship, creativity and grit to Harbin in 2027. RefrigiWear will be there to keep the team ready for whatever the cold throws at them.

For more information or to shop for durable cold weather gear, please visit RefrigiWear.com or call 800-654-3744.

About RefrigiWear, LLC
Founded in 1954 by Myron Breakstone, RefrigiWear makes the toughest workwear for the toughest workers and for the coldest conditions. With a long history rooted in real-world experience, RefrigiWear understands the challenges of working in extreme cold, helping the company deliver high-quality insulated workwear that stands up to the coldest, dirtiest, harshest conditions imaginable. All RefrigiWear brands focus on providing the highest-quality workwear and best overall value. RefrigiWear is based in Dahlonega, GA. Learn more at RefrigiWear.com.

About Team USA Ice Carving
Team USA Ice Carving brings together elite American ice sculptors to compete on the international stage, showcasing the skill, creativity and craftsmanship of professional ice carving. Learn more at TeamUSAIceCarving.com.

SOURCE RefrigiWear