Nordica Santa Ana Collection: Four Widths, One Big Update

Introduction

The Nordica Santa Ana collection has long been a reliable all-around choice for a wide range of skiers, and the newest update tackles the one complaint advanced skiers kept raising: at high speed and high edge angles, the old ski could vibrate and feel like it had a speed limit. With an unlocked tail, a new pulse core, terrain-specific metal, and a lighter tip, the line is aimed at removing that ceiling.

What Changed in the New Santa Ana Collection

Three core updates define the new collection. First, the tail has been “unlocked” with generous rocker where it used to sit flat. Raising the tail off the snow adds control at any speed, makes the ski more maneuverable, and helps you initiate and finish turns faster.

Second, the core now includes a pulse core placed in the center of the ski, roughly under the binding, alongside the wood core and the metal layer. This is where the new dampening comes from. In testing on edge at full speed, the vibration is gone and the ski holds its line, which is exactly what stronger skiers were missing.

How the Widths Differ

The third technology is terrain-specific metal: the amount of metal shifts depending on the width you buy. Wider models carry less metal and feel softer, narrower models carry more and feel more powerful.

The tip has also been updated. Some of the plastic has been removed and the wood core now runs all the way through, cutting weight while keeping the ski powerful and stable, a balance that especially benefits female skiers looking for the right proportion of tech, weight, and performance.

Best for Groomers and Speed: Santa Ana 87

If you spend most of your time at resorts, love groomers, and enjoy going fast while laying over edges and carving arcs, the 87 is the pick. It replaces the old Santa Ana 88 with a slightly narrower waist, more metal, and noticeably more power and stability.

The All-Star: Santa Ana 92

The 92 is the do-everything option. It keeps just enough metal to reach speed and handle fun groomer days, but it also lets you explore other parts of the mountain, and if the snow softens up, it works with you rather than against you.

Best for Soft Snow and Varied Terrain: Santa Ana 97 and 102

The 97 and 102 are built for softer snow. With less metal, they feel softer and far more playful than the 87, and they shine in deeper snow, popping in and out of the woods, and varied terrain. The 102 leans furthest into that role, while the 97 sits just behind it.

How to Choose the Right Width

Pick by where you actually ski, not by which topsheet you like best. Resort-focused carvers on firm snow should start with the 87. Skiers who want one ski for the whole mountain should look at the 92. Riders who chase soft snow, tree runs, and varied terrain will be happiest on the 97 or 102.

Testers across a range of abilities, skiing alongside the women from Nordica, each found a Santa Ana they loved, and the collection is widely regarded as the strongest update the line has received.

Conclusion

The new Santa Ana collection finally removes the speed limit that held back the previous generation. Choose the 87 for power and groomers, the 92 as the all-around all-star, and the 97 or 102 for softer, deeper, more playful terrain.