2022 Stockli Nela 96

The Nela 96 from Stockli is a superbly versatile ski. With its 96 mm waist width, it remains relatively quick edge to edge, while providing superior float and overall performance in soft snow compared to the narrower Nela models. Subtle tip and tail rocker further enhance its ability in softer snow conditions, and also give it a very smooth feel when tipping into a carving turn. Stockli is a high-end ski manufacturer and their attention to detail and dedication to high quality materials is evident in the way they perform. They use a Super Light Core with their Titanal Tec construction. Two sheets of metal are used, with one of the sheets also acting as the topsheet layer of the ski. This method, combined with the lightweight wood core, provides an impressive weight for the final product. The 164 cm length is just 1605 g, quite a bit lighter than most competitors’ skis in this width range that also use metal. That’s a really impressive achievement, and it has a drastic effect on how the ski performs. You get the stability and vibration damping benefits of metal, but the ski is less fatiguing and a little more approachable than heavier, stiffer skis.

Kristi Brown tested the 172 cm length, which is the longest available length in the Nela 96. She also left a quick note saying how much she “loved the raspberry platinum graphics,” and we couldn’t agree more. The Nela 96 looks stunning in person. Kristi awarded the Nela 96 some impressive scores, including 5 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression. None of her other scores dropped below 4 out of 5, so we already know she loved it. “The Stockli Nella does not need a Fella as she rips all day Bell to Bella! Loving the transformation over the years creating a feel-good charger that no longer demands everything from you! Such a joy to ski, inspiring confidence with blissful results.” We’ve noticed a trend among Stockli’s Nela and Stormrider all-mountain skis. All of our testers have marveled at their combination of being powerful and stable at speed, but not demanding and not fatiguing. It is, hands-down, an impressive accomplishment even from a manufacturer who has already proven to produce incredible skis. They nailed it with the Nela and Stormrider models. A lot of different skiers will enjoy the Nela 96. For advanced, expert level skiers like Kristi, it’s a versatile all-mountain weapon. Interestingly, despite using two sheets of metal, Kristi also thought it would be appropriate for “advanced intermediate looking to up her carving game,” which is very cool. Not many skis can satisfy the demands of an expert skier while still promoting progression in an intermediate.

The feedback from Pascale Savard, who opted for the 164 cm length, supports that theory. She’s an expert level skier herself, but her assessment was in line with Kristi in the sense that it should be approachable for lots of skiers. Pascale gave the Nela 96 4 out of 5 scores for every single criteria in our test, which is always indicative of a well-rounded ski, and in this case, one that can work for a variety of ability levels. “Very stable and reliable ski but was also super fun in the soft bumps! I would recommend as an all-mountain ski for all levels of skiers.” All level of skiers might be a bit of a stretch, as the 96 mm waist width would realistically be too much for a true beginner, but we do think even a less aggressive intermediate, as long as they have reasonably good technique, would have a lot of fun on the Nela 96. It’s stable and strong, but unlike most skis that receive those adjectives, it’s not exhausting and it’s not too stiff. That allows lower-level skiers to slide around on it without feeling like they’re going to get bucked, but then ripping skiers like Pascale and Kristi can get on it and charge without the ski buckling underneath them.

Stockli has always made some impressive skis, and 2022 is certainly no exception. The way the Nela 96 balances stability, vibration damping, and power with forgiveness, playfulness, and a lightweight feel is quite impressive. Skiers new to the Stockli brand often comment on the high price tag, but it all makes sense when you get to ski a pair. They have a special feel that’s unique to Stockli and overall performance that’s tough to match.