2025 Nordica Santa Ana 97 Skis Review
By: Jordan Berde, Ski Buyer | Published: May 14th, 2024
The Lowdown
Do I really even need anything else in my quiver? I keep grabbing this ski again, and again, and again, and again. It doesn't seem to matter the conditions - fresh snow, packed powder, hard pack. I know I'm going to have a good time all over the mountain if I'm sliding around on the Santa Ana 97. The new construction is just what I'm looking for in my skis. I still have stability underfoot for when I'm ripping around on corduroy, but more pop in the tails for when I'm playing around or getting into variable terrain. It's still a hard-charging ski, but the improvement they've made to the design open it up to more folks of varying ability levels, more terrain, more turn shapes, and most importantly, MORE FUN!
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Technical Details
Nordica stays true to their Santa Ana heritage by offering a ski that can still hold up to whatever speed you throw at it, and I don't feel like I've been able to hit that limit yet. Nordica uses terrain-specific metal to give the ski stability where you need it, and playfulness where you want it. The tail sees more rocker, which gives it more pop and you more confidence when exiting a turn. The tip also gets lighter, allowing for a smooth ride without chatter. Lastly, they've added an elastomer Pulse Core underfoot to cut down on any vibrations.
At 97mm underfoot, it's the perfect waist width for nearly all conditions and features on the mountain. It floats well enough in powder, and is still narrow enough to carve and throw an edge down. The turned up tail and lighter-weight tip make bump skiing much more enjoyable.
| Sizes (cm) | 150, 155, 161, [167], 173, 179 |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 127 - 97 - 115 (167cm) |
| Turning Radius (m) | 17 (167cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker / Camber / Camber |
| Construction | Pule Core (Wood & Elastomer) + Terrain Specific Metal |
| Weight (g) | - |
Ride Impressions
Having skied on previous iterations of the Santa Ana, I didn't think this line was for me. It lacked that "pizazz" factor, the "oh wow, this is FUN!" feeling, and if I got too far backseat, I felt like it punished me for not being aggressive enough. It just felt like a ski, nothing special.
With the new Santa Ana 97, it's hard to not be giddy when I'm sliding around on them. The terrain-specific metal makes the flex of this ski more intuitive, and I feel confident that the ski isn't going to take me for a ride if I get tired or lazy.
I was able to test this ski in several different conditions. My first day out on them was at Taos Ski Valley, known for some of the steepest runs in North America. I took these skis for a traverse along Kachina ridge where I found some wind-buffed snow in the K Chutes. Needing to make a few quick jump turns up top, there was no other ski I would have preferred to be on. I had incredible edge hold, and the tail allowed me to easily flick my turns around in the tight chute. I lucked out and scored a sneaker powder day at Crystal shortly after this trip. Although a little hesitant at first, the ski performed very well in some of the deeper runs at Crystal off A-Basin. The next day we found some heavier snow at Snoqualmie, and this was the first time this ski fell short. It did end up getting bucked around, and I lacked the flotation I needed to have a stellar day. If you're chasing storms and need a little more oomph, the 102 might be a better fit for you.
Far and away my favorite change on this ski is the added rocker in the tail. I've never been a fan of flat tails that, although good on a groomer, can hook up in windblown snow or in variable conditions. Turning is effortless with these skis! Not only does the rocker allow for improved turn initiation, it also gives some added energy at the exit of each turn. This pop makes you want to seek on all the little side hits, even the bumps. That's right - this ski could make you actually like the bumps!
Rating: ★★★★★
Pros
- Nimble and easy to pivot at any speeds.
- Aestheticaly pleasing (look good, ski good).
- Waist width is suitable for majority of days spent on snow.
- Improved size range.
Cons
- Lacks flotation in deeper/heavier snow.
- Still a demanding ski that requires input.
Who Are They For?
If you're a strong intermediate - expert skier, and you want a ski that can handle anything you throw at it, consider the Santa Ana 97. Folks might tell you it's too aggressive with a lot of metal, but if you give it a chance, you'll find it's a very well-rounded ski that makes you feel fast while feeling safe and confident. The Santa Ana 97 prefers packed powder and corduroy. Warning: this ski may have you actually enjoying the bump runs!
The Bottom Line
The new construction of the Santa Ana is something to write home about. Just ask my mom - I tell her how much I love this ski when she calls to ask how my weekend went. In all seriousness, the construction improvements on this ski are a night and day difference. Nordica took a ski that was fun for ex-racers and hard-charging skiers, and made it a blast for nearly everyone on the mountain. It's confidence inspiring, makes turning effortless, and is easy on the eyes. Added rocker in the tail gives the ski all the boost and energy you need to ski bell to bell. Fresh snow, no snow, and everything in between - grab the Santa Ana 97 and it'll be a good day!
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About the Reviewer
Name: Jordan Berde
Height: 5'2”
Weight: 140 lbs
Size Reviewed: 167 cm
Location(s): Taos Ski Valley, NM / Winter Park, CO / Crystal Mountain, WA
Mount point: Factory recommended
Bindings: Tyrolia Attack 11
Boots: K2 Mindbender 115 W
Riding Style & Ability Level: A typical day out for me includes seeking out deep and steep runs in the trees, or finding hike-to-terrain with a secret powder stash. If not there, you can find me cruising down any run on the mountain trying to find side hits.