2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Model Year	Product Page	Ski Test Results	Chairlift Chat
2027	2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis—Skis with bindings	2026 Nordica Santa Ana 87 2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87	—
2025	2025 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis—Skis with bindings	2025 Nordica Santa Ana 87	—

tester:

Colleen FitzGerald

Ability: Advanced Intermediate
Height: 5’5
Weight: 135
Days / Year: 25
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 15

Fun, like short and long turns, some bumps, glades, sometimes like to push speed otherwise chill

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

161 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

I skied Stowe Gondola groomers, hard packed snow with icy sections.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The ski felt like the right length at 161, I usually ski a 160. The length liked short and long turns and was easy to maneuver.

Scores

Floatation:6/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:7/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The ski was responsive, quick, and playful. It did well on the firm snow and ice, keeping speed through variations conditions on the same run. Overall a confident ride and a lot of fun!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

It did well on a hard pack groomer, icy crud, and feels like it would do well in softer conditions as well.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

It feels forgiving enough for someone learning, but liked yo go fast for more aggressive skier.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I was looking forward to trying this ski based on previous reviews and it lived up to my expectations. It is a great everyday ski!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Lauren Morton

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 30
Age: 37
Years Skiing: 30+

Happy to ski any terrain and like to make turns

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

167 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Peru Merril frozen granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:8/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This skis like the Santa Ana that I’m used to compared to the 92. It held an edge and turned over quickly.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Frontside ski! This ski wants to make strong turns on firm snow.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Strong skiers. It felt less forgiving than the 92.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

She’s a solid ski for strong ski girlies.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Megan Papineau

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’1”
Weight: 122
Days / Year: 30
Age: 39
Years Skiing: 36

Former racer trying to hang responsibly with Jeff

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

167 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, Perry Merrill.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This skied like a 167 and was the right length for me.

Scores

Floatation:4/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:9/10

Playfulness:7/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Well, this is a really great ski for firm groomers and maybe firm glades and soft days too but of course it’s not super floaty but for east coast glades she’s great!

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

She definitely skis great on firm and steep conditions.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think she’s appropriate for intermediate and expert skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

She’s pretty, she carved great aggressively on hard turns.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Kristin Connors

Ability: Expert
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 125
Days / Year: 75
Age: 43
Years Skiing: 37 years

I like carving groomers, ducking into trees, ski touring in the woods. Spring skiing aficionado. Believer of friends on a powder day.

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

167 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe on firm, frozen granular snow.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

The 167 was just right for me. It is a maneuverable ski with some rocker, so if you are between sizes I can see some people wanting to size up.

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:8/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:9/10

Edge Grip:9/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski stands out for its blend of stiffness and stability with a surprisingly nimble feel. They turn on a dime and respond precisely to input, even in firmer conditions where some skis feel less compliant.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

These are a strong frontside all mountain ski. They work well on firm trails and chopped up groomers. I can also see these being fun in a few inches of fresh snow on groomers, and through trees or bumps.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

The Nordica Santa Ana 87 is best suited for strong intermediates who are comfortable on blue terrain and starting to push speed and edge angles, and advanced skiers who want a reliable frontside ski that’s not overly demanding.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Predictable and easy to trust, this ski rewards clean turns and keeps things fun even when conditions are less than ideal.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Lynn Strober

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 120
Days / Year: 20-25
Age: 67
Years Skiing: 35 years

Able to ski on all terrain, but not too fast.

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

161 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Skiing Gondilier.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Nice, easy carving skills. I usually ski a 161, the Santa Anna seemed a bit short for me.

Scores

Floatation:10/10

Stability:10/10

Quickness:10/10

Playfulness:10/10

Forgiveness:10/10

Edge Grip:10/10

Versatility:10/10

Overall:10/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Nice ski, easy to turn.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Trail was groomed and it skied nicely.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate to advanced.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

Very impressed with the ski. I had tried them a few years back and definitely like this years model.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Havilah Stewart

Ability: Expert
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 125
Days / Year: 75
Age: 50
Years Skiing: 40

As stylish as possible, dedicated to longevity. Safe and smooth, at the upper end of my limits, but not beyond.

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

161 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Perry Merrill. Hard park, granular.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

Short, but I usually ski 168-172. If your used to shorter ski this would be fine.

Scores

Floatation:5/10

Stability:7/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:9/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:6/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Santa Ana is a playful, zippy ski with a small turn radius. It provided a solid, reliable edge on hard pack conditions. You must commit to the carve in this ski as it was tough to achieve a quick tail release if I wanted to release out of a turn.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This is a great ski for groomed terrain. I imagine it would be fantastic on packed powder and it help its own on hard pack conditions. I would recommend for a powder day.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

Intermediate.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I felt in control on these skis. They chattered slightly on a patch death cookies, otherwise they were solid.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Shannon Walton

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 148
Days / Year: 15-20
Age: 44
Years Skiing: 20+

Like to make short turns, medium speed

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

161 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, variable, groomers.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

This ski felt just right and had a good running length.

Scores

Floatation:8/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:7/10

Playfulness:4/10

Forgiveness:5/10

Edge Grip:7/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:8/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

This ski felt damp and smooth underfoot. It was able to maneuver well on all terrain (steep, ice, sugar). Just a solid ski all around.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

This ski is great for all variety of terrain. The tip and tail rocker allows the ski to not get caught up in piles but it is also solid on firmer terrain.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think this ski is good for upper intermediate, advanced and expert skiers. It is a pretty approachable ski for a wide range of skiers.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

It skis like a Santa Ana!

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Emily Tiche

Ability: Advanced
Height: 5’2
Weight: 130
Days / Year: 15
Age: 30
Years Skiing: 22

Semi aggressive

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

161 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

I skied Stowe groomers with these in variable conditions with a good bit of ice.

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

I would say this ski is true to size.

Scores

Floatation:3/10

Stability:9/10

Quickness:8/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:6/10

Edge Grip:8/10

Versatility:8/10

Overall:9/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

The Santa Ana 87 is a fantastic ski! It had a good grip on the ice and was very stable at higher speeds. It was surprisingly playful and forgiving considering how well it handled speed.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

I would recommend groomers for this ski. I skied Perry Merrill to Gondolier then a took run on Nosedive. The ice was plentiful that day but the Santa Ana kept it fun and in control proving it to be a force on groomers despite any icy conditions. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the glades on these.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think these skis can be enjoyed by intermediates to experts as they are fairly playful and forgiving considering they are a stiffer ski.

Anything else you want to tell us about your experience on these skis?

I really really liked these skis and would love to add them to my quiver. My only regret in testing these is that I didn't make it into the glades.

Read the Full Ski Test →

tester:

Meghan Bentley

Ability: I'm A Pro
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 125 lbs.
Days / Year: 50
Age: 29
Years Skiing: 20

Ex racer, I like to ski hard and fast, prefer slalom

Ski:

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

Size Tested:

167 CM

Location, Terrain, Snow Conditions Notes

Stowe, gondola, late afternoon slush/corn

Did this length feel short, long, or just right? Would you recommend sizing up or down, or does it ski "true to size?" Would you choose this length for yourself?

True to size!

Scores

Floatation:7/10

Stability:6/10

Quickness:6/10

Playfulness:6/10

Forgiveness:8/10

Edge Grip:6/10

Versatility:7/10

Overall:6/10

What's your first impression of this ski? How did it feel?

Fun and forgiving.

For what type of terrain would you recommend this ski? Why does it perform well in that terrain?

Good for heavy snow or slush, it’s super versatile.

What's the appropriate ability level and/or style for this ski? Why is it appropriate for that type of skier?

I think across all levels!

If you could change anything about these skis, what would you change and why?

A little firmer, and heavier.

Read the Full Ski Test →

2027 Nordica Santa Ana 87 Women's Skis

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