2027 Nordica Santa Ana 82

For 2027, the Nordica Santa Ana 82 returns unchanged, bringing the same shape, construction, and graphics into this next year. Thanks to the use of an energetic core, a fun-loving shape, and a titanal laminate, these skis are ready to carve up groomers and rip through bumps with the best of them. As the narrowest of the Santa Ana skis, it’s the easiest to get up on edge and will work the best on firmer snow, but it won’t hold up as well in softer snow as the wider skis in the line. As such, there’s a bit more of a traditional feel here, but it’s nice to see a narrower ski with freeride heritage to boost versatility. Additionally, this makes for a more unique feel with not a lot of competition.

The construction of these skis is all about mixing energy and power. Built with Nordica’s Energy Ti core, the Santa Ana 82 uses a blend of poplar and beech. This makes the ski responsive and energetic and allows for a mix of high-speed stability and slower turn compliance. On top of the wood core, Nordica utilizes their Terrain-Specific Metal laminate which delivers both power and smoothness to the ski. It’s a full-length layer but narrows in the middle to provide more energy and pep along the edges while keeping the central spine stable and damp. Additionally, Nordica uses a Pulse Core laminate underfoot to further dampen vibrations. We’re seeing this tech in most of Nordica’s skis these days, and it really works well to keep the ski engaged on its edges. Tester Fiona Reed states that “These were very quick to edge to edge and responsive, very maneuverable and snappy. I was impressed with how well they held an edge on ice for how light they are. Quite fun to push in a carve although you don’t get a lot of response/snap/energy return at the apex of each turn. These are a great all mountain option for the east with how quick they are to put on edge; didn’t get to test them out on anything but groomers due to conditions but I could see them being really fun and playful in moguls without being too much to handle.”

To reiterate, this is kind of a special shape. At 82 mm underfoot, there aren’t many freeride inspired skis like this out there. It’s a high-end ski with more rocker and taper than many other skis of this width, giving it more playfulness overall and usefulness in off-piste situations. The Santa Ana 82 produces a 16-meter turn radius in the 161 cm length, so it has a nice mid-range from which to work. We’ve found that the skis make great short carves and can open up to longer and faster turns as well—it's not locked into a particular turn shape or style. The taper and rocker get progressively less as the Santa Ana line decreases in width, so this is the most cambered and least tapered of the group. Tester Kerrie Lohr notes that “These skis feel like they would be fun in bumps, and they did well making short and medium radius turns on Perry Merrill. These skis were light and easy to turn.”

These skis effectively toe the line between front side and all-mountain. Skiers who are looking to progress in a freeride manner but still want great edge grip and a precise feel will love the Nordica Santa Ana 82. They are super-quick from edge to edge and excel in shorter carves while still holding on to some higher speed compliance. Intermediate skiers will fare well here, but they are probably too much for a progressing beginner. If you’re looking to expand your boundaries and wish to venture off-trail, ski bumps, and navigate trees, this is the place to be. For agile and mobile performance, the Santa Ana 82 is a unique and special ski.