2026 Stockli Nela 88

The 2026 Stockli Nela 88 is a carryover model featuring the same construction, graphics, shape, and profile as last year. 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. It has an amazing blend of poise, power, silence, and accessibility.

From a construction standpoint, the use of poplar, beech, and paulownia adds energy, mobility, and stability all at the same time. By adding fiberglass laminates, they provide 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. Tester Meghan Bently notes that “It’s stiff but strong. I felt like I could get a strong smooth carve in and the edge held up really well. Not quite as snappy, but very easy to bring around quickly.”

As an 88 mm underfoot ski, versatility is key here. The well-rounded shape 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. Alli Ruschp states that “Its smooth to ski and not overly powerful. I should have tried the longer length as I was unable to get the stability that I wanted at higher speeds.”

While this is a strong ski, it’s also accessible for intermediate and progressing skiers. 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. Not much else out there delivers the same silence and smoothness.