By Ethan Sullivan
Nordica Santa ana 93
Quick overview
The Santa Ana 93 is a true all‑mountain design aimed at advanced to expert women who want a single, do‑it‑all ski. With a 93 mm waist it delivers a satisfying middle ground: quick edge‑to‑edge on groomers, yet enough surface to handle tracked out or soft snow. The ski’s personality is lively without being nervous, offering a blend of stability at speed and playful release when you want to ski off the beaten line. Length options let you tune for quicker turns or more high‑speed stability.
Construction and technologies
Construction mixes a full wood core with carbon reinforcements and a terrain‑specific metal layer. That recipe gives a direct, damp ride with measured pop and reduced swing weight; the carbon keeps energetic response while cutting mass. True Tip technology extends lightweight core material into the tip to lower swing weight and improve maneuverability. ABS vertical sidewalls add predictable edge hold and solid feel. Overall the build aims to balance liveliness and control for daily all‑mountain performance.
On‑snow performance
On snow the Santa Ana 93 shines as a daily driver. On groomers it holds strong edges and transitions cleanly between turns; the camber underfoot gives surefooted grip at mid to high speeds. In variable snow the ski remains forgiving yet communicative — the 93 mm waist allows quick pivots without feeling twitchy. It handles choppy snow and short, steep pitches with composure. For deeper powder or long, floaty lines you’ll reach for a wider tool, but for mixed days this ski is a reliable, confidence‑building pick.
Specs explained
Spec notes and what they mean for performance: the All‑Mountain Rocker (roughly 30% tip / 50% camber / 20% tail) aids turn initiation and provides pop with stable camber underfoot. Tip, waist and tail widths (tip ~124.5–127 mm, waist 93 mm, tail ~111.5–115.5 mm by length) affect turn initiation, agility and tail release. Sidecut radius varies by length (≈13.3–17.1 m) and controls the natural turn arc. Weight per ski (≈1.57–1.97 kg depending on length) impacts swing weight and fatigue over a long day.
Who it’s for and comparisons
Who should choose this ski and how does it compare? The Santa Ana 93 works best for advanced women wanting a single versatile ski for groomers, variable snow and light off‑piste. Compared with other 90–95 mm female‑oriented models it tends to feel a touch more planted thanks to its metal layer yet more lively than full metal touring skis because of carbon and True Tip. Drawbacks: not a powder specialist and the longer sizes can feel weighty for lighter skiers; price and availability vary by season and region.
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