Nordica is dedicated to continuous improvement, which is why the brand has redesigned its award-winning Santa Ana series, bringing an updated shape and construction that boosts the classic, all-mountain performance the collection is known for. The widest of the bunch, the Santa Ana 102 is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a fast-and-furious ski that leaves nothing to be desired.
“What a girl wants, what a girl needs,” exclaimed our tester. “This ski has a uniquely powerful and elegant combination of traits that every woman dreams of. It rips on the groomers, slashes through the goodies and plays nice in all conditions.”
New this year, the Santa Ana skis utilizes a rubber elastomer layer between the poplar and beech wood, along with a layer of terrain-specific metal, to make the ski more playful than it has ever been. The terrain-specific metal in each of the Santa Ana skis is tailored to the width and intended terrain use. This means the Santa Ana 102 features proportionally less metal underfoot when compared to the rest of the Santa Ana line, with the intention that it used predominantly off-piste, in fresh and chopped snow.
Another notable update to the Santa Ana 102 is the ski’s longer contact points which result in steeper rises in the tips and tails for improved turn engagement in the front and easier maneuverability in the back. This combination ultimately makes the Santa Ana 102 feel better in action but doesn’t require as much effort to control. “With these skis on my feet, I was not afraid to ski any terrain on the mountain,” said our tester. “Consistent with previous years, I continue to particularly love the stability this ski provides, which is why this ski does best in variable conditions.” With lengths ranging from 155 to 179 cm, there is a Santa Ana 102 for every woman out there desiring an everyday, no-compromise ski.