2021 Nordica Santa Ana 88

Undergoing a fairly significant change for 2021, the Nordica Santa Ana 88 has had some nips and tucks to increase softer-snow compliance while retaining the hard-snow capabilities that we knew and loved from the previous iterations. Whereas in years past, the Santa Ana skis had a lighter weight wood core and two full sheets of metal, the 2021 version has a burlier wood core and one sheet of metal. That metal laminate is not complete; it changes as the width of the ski changes. The narrower the ski, the more complete the sheet. The wider the ski, the more wood is exposed. As a result, skiers get the appropriate amount of metal for the width of the ski rather than the blunter approach of yesteryear. Maintaining 88 mm underfoot, the Santa Ana 88 can still carve turns like a dream, and since you get more appropriate flex out of the ski, the rebound and energy out of the turn are incredible. For skiers who are looking for that more customized flex from both a torsional and longitudinal standpoint, this new construction will be beneficial. We often talk about how the 88 mm range is the most versatile, truly, for an all-mountain ski, and the Santa Ana is no exception. There are very few all-mountain skis out there these days, male or female, that have full sheets of metal, so companies have been successfully experimenting with incomplete laminates. By removing metal from the far edges of the skis, it leaves more wood on the sides, and a more playful character. As with most Nordica skis these days, our testers were pretty much over the moon with the new improvements of the Santa Ana series.

For most purposes, Allison Ruschp was pretty stoked on the new changes. She skied the 165 and loved the quickness and lightness of the build. Stability, edge grip, and torsional stiffness all earned 5's out of 5, just like a high-end all-mountain ski should. She also gave 4's for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, and overall impression. These consistently high scores are right in line with what a top-end all-mountain ski should have. "I have always loved the Santa Ana line of women's skis, but this year's version takes the cake." Alli notes, "the new Santa Ana 88 is lighter and more playful than previous versions. The shape and construction of the ski lends to being a great carver. The carbon stringers in the ski keep the torsional stiffness intact while reducing the weight which makes it a more approachable ski. Not the most forgiving of the 88 mm waist skis for women, but falls nicely in the middle. Great for athletic women who know how to carve a turn." In terms of versatility, "it can also smear a turn so if you get in the bumps it's easy to pop through the turns." Alli did note that it doesn't quite have the power of the older skis, stating that "the Santa Ana 88 does not just power through the crud and the skier will feel this more; but for mainly a groomer ski, this is a great choice for that advanced lady!" It's all about give and take when it comes to the blend of performance and playfulness, and we're seeing that slight change here for 2021.

Carly Monahan also skied the 165 and loved the overall performance of the ski. All 4's and 5's from Carly on the scorecard. "From early season hardpack to a sleeper powder day, the Santa Ana 88's kept me grinning! Given its all-mountain shape and rocker profile, I was impressed by the ski's ability to really hold an edge on classic Vermont boiler plate. There's a bit more pop and stiffness to the 88 than the wider Santa Anas, which translated to plenty of confidence at high speeds on the frontside. But this is not a carver-only setup; and that's what really makes me a fan! The 88s were super playful, capable of a variety of turn shapes and styles. I got to test these in an early pow storm at Smuggs and worried they might flounder a bit in deeper snow given the narrower waist. While a fatter ski surely would have more flotation, these were totally capable of effortlessly bopping down moderate pitches in plenty of fresh snow. I had a blast seamlessly transitioning from carving it up on-piste to wiggling through thigh deep fluff. Versatility abounds. Perfect for someone who loves carving corduroy, but who wants to be ready to take advantage of fresh snow in the trees when it happens."

Great stuff coming from Nordica for 2021, from the re-vamping of the Enforcer line to the changes in the Santa Ana's, Nordica is lining itself up for success, and for all-mountain skiers looking to carve it up and do a bit of everything, the Santa Ana 88 is an amazing tool.