Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis 2024 // Women's

PARTY SKI.

REVIEWED BY: Joe Riccio

The Nordica Santa Ana 98 is a wider waisted ski that offers incredible soft snow performance, is a beast off trail, while still maintainging a high level of performance on groomers and hard pack. For a ski with a 98mm waist width, the Santa Ana feels strong, stable and condifdent in a turn at higher speeds it's just a little less precise than it's more narrow siblings the Santa Ana 93 or 88. That wider waist combined with a fair amount of rocker in the tip and tail allow the Santa Ana 98 to pivot easily in tighter terrain and provides some float in softer snow. What we love about the Santa Ana 98 is the versatility it has to offer, usually skis that are on the wider side of all mountain skis are playful and nimble but don't hold up well on more firm terrain the Santa Ana 98 isn't easily knocked around like some other wider waisted skis might be. The Santa Ana 98 can be pushed hard and won't stutter when it's being skied aggressively. Even though the ski has a really high performance threshold that any expert skier would love, it's not a difficult ski for intermediates to move around. Turn initiation is smooth, the ski is predictable, and it's easy to balance on; making the Santa Ana 98 a really great option for a wide range of skier abilities. This isn't a ski you buy to crush only groomers, there are better options for that, this is a ski that loves soft snow but is stout and stable enough to handle higher speeds on groomers if you find yourself there. If you are looking for a ski that can take you from coast to coast and gravitate towards softer snow scenarios but still need a sturdy, high performing ski for groomer laps, the Santa Ana 98 should be on your radar. If you're a more groomer oriented skier, and don't need a wider waisted ski, check out the Santa Ana 93 or 88. 

Who is this ski for? Skiers who want a ski that can truly be skied all over the mountain, but enjoy a strong feel underfoot on more firm conditions without being on a narrow waisted ski.

Who isn't this ski for? Skiers who are looking for a more playful, nimble, softer snow ski (Camox Birdie, Sheeva 10, Ranger 102, are better options). Skiers who are looking for a stronger ski for lapping groomers (Ripstick 94w Black Edition, Santa Ana 93 carve better). 

Tested by

Devon Scovill

Samantha Barry

Tate O'Brien