The 2027 Nordica Santa Ana 102 with Marker Squire 11 Bindings is built to thrive in soft snow and variable terrain, making it the go-to choice for women who chase powder days and off-trail adventure. As the widest ski in the Santa Ana lineup, it combines confident float, directional power, and intuitive handling into a platform that’s equally at home weaving through glades or charging open faces. We paired the Santa Ana 102 Women's with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

It’s the rare powder-oriented ski that still feels stable and composed in firmer conditions. The Santa Ana 102 is floaty without being soft, giving expert skiers a dependable yet playful tool for a wide range of mountain conditions.

Who it's for:

This ski is a standout for advanced and expert women skiers—especially those out West—who want a capable, confident ski for soft snow and off-piste terrain. For East Coast skiers, it’s an ideal powder-day or backcountry option.

Highlights:

At its core, the Santa Ana 102 uses a lightweight wood core enhanced with Nordica’s Pulse Core elastomer insert and a single sheet of Terrain-Specific Titanal tuned for wider skis. This delivers top-tier dampness and directional stability while keeping weight down. Tip and tail rocker add agility and float in deeper snow, while camber underfoot provides the precision needed for variable or firmer conditions. Together, the construction and shape create a ski that’s as confident at speed as it is intuitive in trees and powder. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

With its 102 mm waist and freeride orientation, the Santa Ana 102 is best used in softer snow. While capable on groomers, it’s not built for day-in, day-out frontside carving. It also leans directional and powerful—less ideal for playful or freestyle-focused skiers who want a twin tip or looser feel.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis run true to size. Stick with your usual length for maximum float and confidence, or size down slightly for quicker handling and tighter terrain.