94 DWORDS ADAM BAILLARGEON

It’s that time of the year again. No, it’s not time to do your taxes, register your car or wish Aunt

Edna a happy birthday. The fi rst frost has already hit, and snow is on the way. It’s time to pack

away your sandals and start looking at winter gear.

Everyone knows that gear gets tired, seasons change, and technology follows suit. Ergo, the last time

you updated your winter sports gear might be the last time you really took a deep look at the sports

you love. If you ever delivered papers, cashed in bottles, or skipped a rent payment to buy a new

board or skis, then you know the feeling that new gear can bring. It incites hope, inspires confi dence,

and helps you happily say: “Summer is overrated.”

To get in the spirit of winter, N’East is showcasing 12 amazing athletes and the gear that propels

them into what we know as sports stardom. The following pages highlight each athlete’s setup as well

as a glimpse into daily life as a pro. We believe these people are some of the most talented, exciting,

and outright rippin’ winter sports athletes on the planet. A few are household names, a few you may

have seen in movies, and the rest are about to blow up.

Welcome to the Dirty Dozen.

Cheers.

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