2025 Nordica Santa Ana 97

Nordica has switched things up with the Santa Ana collection for the 2025 season and longtime fans will love the smoother, more refined feel and high-performance nature that has kept the Santa Ana high up on the leader board. A favorite for many, the Santa Ana series has continued to grow its fan base thanks to its sophisticated build and strong-willed demeanor, and despite slight alterations, we get a similar footprint with noticeable improvements. With four new models, the previous width offerings have been adjusted marginally, resulting in an 87, 92, 97, and 102. As the second widest option in the lineup, the Santa Ana 97 offers solid performance underfoot and ample flotation for deeper snow.

The high level of performance that can be accessed on the Santa Ana 97 is attributed to the sturdy build and powerful construction elements. While Nordica carried over successful features from previous models, we do get some new technology incorporated into this new iteration. While the beech/poplar wood blend returns, though sourced through a different supplier, the addition of the Pulse Core layer is where we see the distinction. A rubberized polymer material that is placed directly underfoot, the level of dampness and shock absorption provides an exceptionally smooth ride. Creating an overall balanced feel, this new component contributes to the new feel in a significant way. We see Nordica’s Terrain Specific Metal return, doing a lot of the heavy lifting as far as power and stability. With full-length metal from tip to tail and full-width metal throughout except for the mid-body and mid-tail, you get strength where you need it and flex in the torsional stiffness in the areas that you want more suppleness. Mar Kuhnel highlighted the qualities of this ski nicely, saying “whee! This is a fun ski, definitely requires a bit more user input than some of the other high 90's underfoot lady skis, but it gives back what you put into it and makes for a smooth, precise, stable, and energetic experience. The titanol gives great edge grip and though the stiffer tip meant I had to really pay attention to driving the ski, it was worth the extra bit of effort!”

Balancing out the powerful build, the shape brings versatility and liveliness into the picture. With added tail rocker and a more forward mount point, the turning capabilities have enhanced majorly, giving the ski a more energetic, responsive nature. The 161 cm length generates a 16.5-meter turn radius, giving it the ability to make sharp, round turns. When you factor in the new tail shape, it really allows the skier to adjust the turn shape and style, releasing easily and energetically. This is where you really see the difference between last year’s model, with a more serious, business-like feel before. As one of the wider options at 97 mm underfoot, this allows for a greater degree of playfulness for soft snow conditions while maintaining plenty of grip and stability underfoot for on-piste finesse. As Tester Katharine ReQua put it, “fun, spunky. Easy to maneuver!” For a ski with a moderate amount of metal, it shows how easy to turn and responsive it is!

Reaching a new audience of skiers with the added tail rocker and adjusted construction, the 2025 Santa Ana 97 brings greater versatility and energy into the mix. Still performing at an exceptionally high level, those seeking a wider-bodied all-mountain ski with slightly less heft and more approachability may want to look elsewhere. However, strong-performing skiers looking for a well-rounded ski with power and grit will love this new version.