Light and confident handling defines the Stockli Nela 86, a women's freeride ski for skiers who feel just as comfortable on the trail as off it. Completely redesigned and now more wide-ranging, it pairs a poplar, beech, and paulownia wood core with a powder rocker and freeride tail for playful, easy-to-manage turns. The result is an agile, energy-saving ride that floats in fresh snow without giving up composure when conditions firm up.

Why we like it:

The Nela 86 has been rebuilt from the ground up and is genuinely more versatile than before, holding its own across changing snow. We really like the Softflex construction, which keeps the ski easy to bend and forgiving without making it feel vague.

Who it's for:

Intermediate to advanced women skiers who want one ski that moves easily between groomed trails and soft off-trail snow. A strong match for skiers who prize a light, low-effort ride but still want enough stability to ski with confidence when the snow turns variable.

Highlights:

A waist in the mid-eighties is the sweet spot here, giving the Nela 86 quick edge-to-edge handling along with the stability to deal with mixed snow. The redesign leans on a Softflex construction that keeps the flex relaxed and approachable, so the ski bends easily and stays forgiving through the day. A Powder Rocker lifts the tip for float when you leave the trail, while the Freeride Tail keeps the ski loose and playful through pivots and slashes. The poplar, beech, and paulownia wood core keeps weight low and the ride lively, and a Thin Glass Laminate trims further mass from the layup. Titanal Technology Pro adds a measure of damping and stability for firmer or chopped-up snow, Polywall sidewalls bring durability, and Solid Metal Edge Light edges round out a freeride ski built around lightness and ease.

Things to consider:

The Nela 86 is tuned for lightness and easygoing handling rather than outright power, so hard-charging skiers may find they hit the top-end more quickly. Its happiest place is playful, relaxed skiing across mixed terrain.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Standard sizing applies to the Nela 86. Choose your usual all-mountain length; drop a length for even quicker, more playful handling or go up a length for added stability and float on softer days.