Nordica Santa ana 98 — Review

The Santa Ana 98 is a versatile all‑mountain ski aimed at advanced to expert women who want a single, do‑everything ski. With a 98 mm waist it balances on‑piste performance and off‑piste capability: agile enough for groomers yet wide enough to handle tracked powder and soft snow. The length range from 151 to 179 cm means you can choose a shorter, more playful setup or a longer, higher‑speed platform. Overall weight sits in the midlight category, which helps keep the ski lively without sacrificing stability at tempo.

Construction mixes a performance wood core with full sidewalls, carbon reinforcement strips and a Terrain Specific Metal (TSM) laminate that apportions metal where the chassis needs damping and power. The Rocker/Camber/Rocker profile gives solid edge grip with tip and tail lift for float and forgiveness. Specs such as tip/waist/tail widths and turn radius matter: tip and tail shape influence turn initiation and release; the 98 mm waist is a true all‑mountain compromise; longer radius equals better high‑speed stability.

On snow the ski feels planted and controlled at speed thanks to the metal and full sidewall construction, which help tame chatter and give confident edge hold on firm snow. At the same time the carbon and the True Tip design drop weight in the extremities so the ski doesn’t feel dull — it springs into short turns and allows playful pivots. In softer snow the rocker helps the ski plane, but don’t expect the same float as a dedicated fat freeride board in deep powder.

Handling is direct and communicative: shorter lengths (151–165 cm) feel quick and intuitive for short, snappy turns; longer lengths (172–179 cm) stretch out the effective edge and suit sustained, larger turns at speed. The partial twin‑tip and True Tip make playfulness and light switch moves possible, but the ski’s bias remains towards forward performance and carved turns. Compared to similar 98 mm women’s skis it delivers a nice middle ground between punchy stability and everyday fun.

Who should buy this ski? If you want one confident frontside machine that also tolerates light off‑piste days, this is an excellent choice. Strengths include predictable edge hold, adequate float for variable soft snow and an energetic, damp feel. Weaknesses: it isn’t the ideal pick for deep, heavy powder or for riders who prioritize park‑specific features. Sizing tip: pick a length near your height for versatility, or shorten one size for more playful, quick handling.