The New Hampshire-based textile company Minus 33 and Merino wool date back exactly 100 years.

“We are proud to join USA Luge as an official supplier,” said Craig Sexton, manager of marketing and sales.

“The team and its staff will know that the socks they’ll wear will be warm, comfortable and not itchy, unlike other wool products. 

"Our staff is comprised of people who love the outdoors. 

"So we don’t go very far to find suitable weather and individuals that can test our products.

"We’re sure the luge team will love these socks.”

With its official status as a partner now confirmed, Minus 33 will be able to use the USA Luge logo in its promotional materials.

The company will also have a presence on the USA Luge website and in the team’s Lake Placid start training facility.

“Minus 33 Merino wool socks will be a welcomed member of our sponsor and supplier family,” said Gordy Sheer, director of USA Luge marketing and sponsorship programmes.

“Their product will help us cope with cold conditions, especially as we travel in the heart of the winter season both in North America and abroad.”

As athletes continue physical training during the warmer months, that winter season is getting closer each week. 

USA Luge racers will compete in the annual Indoor Start Championship on the team’s refrigerated ramps in Lake Placid in September.

The team will then head to the 1994 Olympic track in Lillehammer in Norway in early October, followed by the opening of the Lake Placid course later in the month.