The Nordica Santa Ana 97 has made waves in the skiing community, earning recognition for its impressive performance across all terrains. Released as a versatile option for all-mountain skiing, this model is quickly becoming a favorite among female skiers. "The most recent update of the Nordica Santa Ana 97 is a quiver-killer," said Renee McCormack, Review Editor. "This is a single ski that can take you everywhere on the mountain, in any snow condition."
Retailing for $800, the Santa Ana 97 offers a unique blend of traits that caters to a wide range of skiers. With a width of 97 mm underfoot, this ski excels in carving on groomed trails while maintaining sufficient floatation in powder. With the latest update to the Santa Ana line, skiers can expect added pop and rebound, increasing its playfulness on the slopes. "The Santa Ana 97 easily smears turns in tight couloirs, bumps, and trees," McCormack continued. "It gave us the confidence to let loose and have fun anywhere on the mountain."
Despite its many strengths, the Santa Ana 97 does have its downsides. "The only downside is that its wide-ranging versatility means it isn't perfect at any one thing," McCormack added, emphasizing that while it performs well overall, it may not excel in every category. Nonetheless, the ski sets a new standard for women's all-mountain options.
Key Features
The Santa Ana 97 incorporatesNordica's innovative "TSM Pulse Core" which features a unique combination of wood, elastomer, and tailored sheets of metal. This hard metal layer adjusts depending on the width of the ski, enhancing the overall performance. The latest iteration also boasts a refined rocker profile, lighter tip construction, and increased playfulness.
Testers were particularly impressed with the ski's ability to maintain stability at speed. "It felt like a detuned Kastle," noted one tester, pointing out this model's potential compared to some of the more aggressive offerings from brands like Kastle and Volkl. While the Santa Ana 97 isn't the most powerful ski on the market, it delivers solid performance for both average and skilled skiers.
Performance Overview
The Santa Ana 97 shines in various conditions from groomers to powder. "This ski feels solid underfoot, at high speeds, in any terrain. From groomers to icy hard pack, from firm wind crust to chunky crud, and even in deep powder, we could push the speed limit with full confidence," McCormack explained.
The ski's construction allows it to handle different turn shapes effectively, encouraging skiers to experiment with their style. "It pivots well in tight spaces, is sturdy underfoot on hard snow, and is easy to adjust turn shape and style," said a tester, summarizing the ski's versatility.
However, it is important to note the ski's softer tip compared to prior models. "It is not as powerful as previous versions at the highest speeds," warned McCormack, identifying this characteristic as a trade-off for its improved playfulness.
Essential Awaits
Nordica's thoughtful modifications to the Santa Ana 97, including the reduction of heavy ABS plastic and the extension of the wood core, have contributed to a lighter ski that retains responsiveness and excitement. "Our testers all agree that this old favorite is better than ever before," McCormack remarked.
With its combination of stability, playfulness, and adaptability, the Nordica Santa Ana 97 is set to redefine women’s all-mountain skiing. Ski enthusiasts are now thrilled to explore the full capabilities of this impressive ski as they navigate various terrains this season. As the winter months approach, the Santa Ana 97 promises to be an excellent choice for those seeking an all-in-one skiing experience.