Women’s All-Mountain ski of the year | Nordica Santa Ana 88
A mightily impressive ski, the brand new Santa Ana 88 is the little sister to Fall-Line’s firm freeride favourites – the Santa Ana 93, 100 and 110. Lighter and slimmer than its mega-popular freeski sisters, the all-new Santa Ana 88 is a frontside-oriented winter weapon that‘s strong, light and super playful.
What’s pretty cool about the new Santa Ana 88 is that each length has its own individual rocker profile which gives every ski a specific and unique feel. It all adds up to mega Santa Ana-shaped japes on the mountain for all motivations and having ripped all over the mountain on these bad gals, our Test Team were super impressed. “Is there anything this ski can’t do?” asked Co-editor Nicola. If there is, we couldn’t find it.
Adaptable, nimble and manoeuvrable, the Santa Ana 88 dealt and evolved with the full spectrum of conditions as the day developed from hard icy pistes in the morning to soft spring afternoon slush surfing. Featuring a clever new wood tip construction, the lightweight Santa Ana 88 felt snappy and swift, easy to pivot and immediately responsive all day long.
Playful yet still able to pack a powerful punch on demand, the Santa Ana 88s carved fast and hard on the groomers when driven with Amy Marwick-style levels of commitment. Put simply they like to get on an edge and offer a focused and reliable ride thanks to the two layers of metal reinforced with carbon stringers in the full-length chassis which keep any crud-shaped distractions at bay.
Strong and relatively stiff for such a lightweight construction, the Santa Ana 88s are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiver of one to ride on piste, off piste and everywhere in between. And if you’re harbouring any backcountry aspirations, then we see no reason why you wouldn’t be able to slap a tech touring binding on ‘em and head off on a short day tour.
The most playful and versatile rendition of the Santa Ana yet, the 88 is confidence-inspiring ski that harnesses freeride power to a slender frame and delivers fun all over the mountain. A very exciting new chapter for this already hugely popular ski.
Also in 93, 100 and 110.
TO READ MORE ABOUT THE NORDICA SANTA ANA 88 AND ALL THE OTHER NEW SKIS FOR 2020, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GEAR GUIDE, OUT IN OCTOBER!
STATS
RRP: £530
Lengths: 151, 158, 165, 172
Radius:
15m @ 165
Dimensions: 132-84-116
Weight per pair: 119-88-107
More Info: NORDICA
