2025 Stockli Nela 88

Known best for its high-premium build and impeccably smooth performance, the Stockli Nela 88 is the ultimate ride for all-mountain precision. Silent and sturdy, this ski is in a league of its own, boasting quality and design at the highest level. Geared towards advanced to expert ladies looking for predictability on-piste, the Nela 88 features Stockli’s race-inspired technology in a wider, more accessible recreational design, providing knife-like edge grip and impeccable dampness. At 88 mm underfoot, this carving machine also offers off-trail capabilities, keeping this ski squarely between all-mountain and frontside. Narrower than the Nela 96 and wider than the Montero AW, skiers looking to perform with power on-piste with the occasional off-piste adventure, the Nela 88 is the option for you.

Returning structurally unchanged for the 2025 season, we see the same high-quality build that Stockli is always known for. Impressive for what it is, the simple yet worthy lightweight wood core provides energy and stability thanks to the mix of balsa and fuma wood. Placed vertically, these stringers provide an unreal amount of energy on their own. By adding fiberglass laminate, they’re providing energy and pop to the ski, leading to excellent rebound. Lastly, we get a dual-metal laminate, which offers dampness and power. The interesting part about this construction element is that it is placed in two layers, with the top layer acting as both a structural piece and a topsheet. As for the bottom, this is where the strength and stability come from. While the 88 is a bit stiffer than the 96, it still only weighs 1550 grams in the 160 cm length, which is surprising given how strong and stable it feels. Sturdy and agile all in one, Tester Devon Laidman found that it performed best on “groomers and packed powder. Able to hold the edge on a hard turn in these conditions”.

Looking at the shape, since most of us spend our time in an on-trail capacity, it makes a whole lot of sense. The well-rounded waist width of 88 mm makes it narrow enough for strong carving and wide enough for variability. We do see some tip rocker, which helps it to stay afloat in softer snow, but in the tail, it's strictly business. This is where we derive the high level of precision and control, with a flat, directional shape. A long effective edge as a result helps keep the skier engaged in a turn for longer but thanks to the agile nature, you don’t feel locked in. The major takeaway as far as how the shape affects performance is the suppleness, which is also attributed to the long effective edge. The longer the ski is in contact with the snow, the smoother it will feel.

The Nela 88 is certainly not for the faint of heart, delivering a high-performance ceiling that most intermediates might not reach. For the more advanced skier, this well-rounded ski lands on the high end of the spectrum when it comes to precision and quality, holding up to the demands of powerful skiing while staying quiet and poised. While Stockli skis land in the higher price range, it makes sense given the premium build and competitive performance. Treat yourself to this ski, it will not let you down.