By Evelien Jansen
Nordica Santa ana 92
Overview and Intended Use
The Santa Ana 92 (2025/26) positions itself as a versatile all‑mountain ski that’s primarily tuned for groomed runs while retaining the capability to venture off‑piste. With a 92 mm waist it feels lively and nimble in turns, while the All‑Mountain Rocker and underfoot camber provide reliable edge hold and rebound at speed. This model strikes a balance between stability and playfulness, making it a compelling option for advanced to confident intermediate women who want one ski for a variety of mountain conditions.
Construction and What the Specs Mean
The construction pairs a full wood TSM Pulse Core with an elastomer pulse layer and a Terrain‑Specific Metal (titanal) laminate for damping and reinforcement. The True Tip reduces unnecessary tip mass to aid quick turn initiation and the Unlocked Tail Shape adds tail rise for easier pivots. Sidewalls deliver direct power transfer to the edge. Practically, this translates into a ski that soaks up chatter on hard snow while remaining communicative and responsive in both short and long radius turns.
On‑Piste Performance
On groomers the Santa Ana 92 shines for its blend of edge grip and agility. The camber underfoot gives predictable pressure and snap into the turn, while the titanal layer adds the high‑speed stability and confidence many skiers want on firm days. Factory angles (base 0.9° / side 87.5°) come fairly sharp out of the box, which produces instant edge bite — some skiers prefer small de‑tunes based on personal feel and local snow conditions.
Off‑Piste and Variable Snow
Off‑piste the ski surprises for a 92 mm waist, offering good float in softer snow thanks to tip rocker and a playful tail. It’s not a deep‑powder specialist, but it excels as a go‑anywhere ski for chopped up snow, boot‑top fresh lines, and variable terrain. The Pulse damping layer smooths rough patches and reduces vibration, which helps preserve energy on long days where you alternate between piste laps and sidecountry exploration.
Who It’s For and Comparisons
Who should buy it and how does it compare? This ski suits riders who prioritize versatility and spend most days on groomed trails but want the freedom to explore off‑piste without swapping skis. Compared to other 92 mm women’s all‑mountain skis it offers a bit more stability than very rocker‑forward playful boards, while remaining lighter and more agile than heavier full‑metalized racers. Pair it with a binding that offers some dampening and mount near the manufacturer’s recommended point for balanced handling.
Loading images...
Community Opinions
Missing a hand while carrying ski gear?
A friend of mine created Clipstic, the easy way to attach your poles to your skis! Using this link you get 10% off as well as support for Pick-a-ski!
Check it out!