The new Steadfast series of skis brings front side and all-mountain skiing to the forefront of the conversation. We’ve seen a lot of success and had a lot of fun on these skis, and they already have a strong foothold in the door when it comes to pure all-mountain fun. They are capable carvers and highly useful for a huge range of skiers. If we’re being honest with ourselves about what we do out there on the hill, the majority of our time is spent on groomers, and at a relatively moderate speed. Sure, there are some skiers that like to push the limits most/all of the time, but that’s the minority. The reality is that groomer intermediate skiing is the most populous application in the sport, and in that sense, the Steadfast 80 is the ideal tool for the job.

Built with a fairly simple wood core and carbon stringers, this ski has a straightforward blend of light weight and energy that is all about getting from one turn to the next. The carbon stringers go a long way in adding a high-performance feel and a snappy and poppy personality to the ski. While they don’t have the dampness of metal, the stringers are probably the right material for the intended demographic. While not specifically part of the build, the skis also get a FDT Free demo plate with a TP2 Light 11 system binding on it. This makes for a valuable setup for intermediate skiers who are looking to get a good set of skis and bindings for not a whole lot of money.

At 80 mm underfoot, this ski has a lot to offer in terms of both consistency and versatility. The shape of the ski is ideal for groomed terrain, especially for skiers who may feel a bit overmatched by some of the softer and deeper snow out there. This way, they’ll be a lot more comfortable on-trail and in a carved turn. When the shape is too narrow, the balance point gets tricky, even though the agility is increased. It’s nice to have this wider platform to stand on, offering up more confidence and versatility for different types of snow and terrain. In the 174, we’re looking at a 15.3-meter turn radius, which is right in the sweet spot for progressing skiers who are aiming to make the most out of a carved turn. Whether you’re learning to arc it or are already a seasoned pro, this ski will still help you get to the next level.

We’re stoked to see the addition of the Steadfast 80 to Nordica’s 2024 lineup. It makes a whole lot of sense, as a ski, in that it appeals to a hugely common denominator. And that’s no slight to skiers who spend a lot of time on moderate blues—that's a compliment to those who get out there every day and are looking to improve and progress. There’s a certain nobility to that, and it’s great to see that Nordica has a ski for everyone in that realm.