2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102

Just when we thought the Santa Ana collection couldn’t get any better, Nordica hit the refresh button for the 2025 season, making some exciting improvements to an already fantastic all-mountain ski. Keeping the successful traits that have awarded the exceptional reputation and impressive performance, each model received slight alterations to achieve a more refined, balance feel. With four new models, the Santa Ana 102 is the widest option, blending freeride performance and playfulness with poised precision and reliability. Featuring the least amount of metal, this ski is best suited for softer snow zones but packs enough to punch to power through chop and crud, while retaining good torsional flexibility for a more playful ride.

Nordica’s approach to construction has much to do with the high level of performance, especially with the recent enhancements. Moving in the direction of more power and directional precision, while it's a combination of build and shape, there are a few new construction elements at play here. First and foremost, we’re getting some new technology applied to the core. While we still get the beech/poplar wood blend, though sourced through a different supplier, the addition of the Pulse Core layer if where things get exciting. The rubberized polymer material, which is placed directly underfoot, acts as a dampening device, smoothing out chatter and vibrations and ultimately creating a more balanced, consistent feel. Nordica’s tried and true Terrain-Specific metal remains a staple to the build, with full-length metal from tip to tail and full-width metal throughout with the exception of the mid-body and mid-tail. Providing an ideal amount of flex in the torsional stiffness of the ski where there is less metal, this creates better soft-snow performance and suppleness. The stability and degree of power underfoot and in the tip and tail is a result of the additional metal where needed most. Speaking to its overall strength, Tester Shannon Walton found it to be a “solid powder ski! A bit more of a demanding powder ski than say the Blaze 102. This ski would likes to driven through the powder and can charge through anything!” Certainly worth noting how this ski compares to other wider-bodied all-mountain skis as it definitely sits higher up on the performance spectrum.

While the overall footprint of the Santa Ana 102 remains the same, there have been some changes that make quite a difference in performance. While power and precision are still very much in the conversation, Nordica wanted to maintain the high-performance nature while inviting a more energetic, lively feel, particularly in the back of the ski. While the previous model had a directional tail shape with slight rocker, the new model has deeper tail rocker and more tail splay. Providing a higher level of maneuverability and quicker feedback, this new version feels easier to release in tight terrain and more energetic. At 102 mm underfoot, this width is ideal for versatile soft snow performance, especially when you factor in the 17.5-meter turn radius in the 167 cm length. This allows for wider arcing turns down the fall line with less punishment if you’re not in full go mode. Given the livelier nature, it does respond better and with greater feedback if you decide to shorten the turn radius.

While the previous Santa Ana model never made us question its capabilities, the new Santa Ana 102 offers skilled skiers a slightly more balanced, responsive feel with playful performance in soft snow conditions. Without losing any degree of power or strength, those looking for a hard charger with enough width and playfulness for powder days but plenty of grip and versatility for on-piste terrain will love this new Santa Ana 102.