Stöckli Nela 88 vs Nordica Santa Ana 88: Two Women's All-Mountain Skis Compared

Introduction

For the upcoming season, two women’s skis stand out in the all-mountain 88mm waist category: the Stöckli Nela 88 and the Nordica Santa Ana 88. Both have been skied extensively across multiple test days, and both prove to be genuinely fun groomer skis. The difference comes down to feel: one is smooth and remarkably light, the other is more demanding and more versatile. Here is how to choose between them.

Stöckli Nela 88: Smooth and Surprisingly Light

Stöckli has a reputation for building skis that are hard-charging and powerful, and the Nela 88 (alongside its counterpart, the Stormrider) is a bit of a departure from that formula. It keeps the signature smooth, stable feel the brand is known for, but it is a lot lighter. In fact, it is one of the lightest skis in the all-mountain waist-width category.

If you want an easy-going ski that still feels refined and composed on the groomed run, the Nela 88 is the one to reach for.

Nordica Santa Ana 88: The More Versatile All-Mountain Ski

The Santa Ana 88 is the more demanding of the two. It is a little heavier, and that extra weight gives it the ability to blast through crud, chopped-up snow conditions and mashed potatoes better than the Nela can.

It is also more versatile in terms of the terrain it can handle. You will have more fun on bumps and trees on the Santa Ana 88 than you would on the Nela.

How They Differ on the Snow

The core trade-off is simple: smoothness and low weight versus stability in broken snow and broader terrain range. The Nela 88 rewards skiers who spend most of their time on groomers and want an effortless, stable ride. The Santa Ana 88 asks a bit more of you but pays back with confidence when the snow gets chewed up and when you wander off the groomed line.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are looking for a really easy-going but very smooth-feeling ski, go for the Stöckli Nela 88. If you want something a little heavier with more versatility across terrain, go for the Nordica Santa Ana 88.

Both are excellent choices for women’s all-mountain skiers this season; the right pick depends on where and how you actually like to ski. If you have questions, a specialist ski retailer with live chat and in-store appointments is a good place to start before committing.

Conclusion

The Stöckli Nela 88 and Nordica Santa Ana 88 are both super fun groomer skis with distinct personalities. Choose the Nela 88 for a lighter, smoother, easier-going ride, or the Santa Ana 88 if you want more heft, better performance in crud and chopped snow, and more versatility in bumps and trees.