Review: Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2024
By Ski Expert
Claire Kantor
Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2024
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$749.95
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The Curated Take
4.6/5
The Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis are great for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. They are particularly rewarding for those who enjoy carving and cutting through varied snow conditions, including crud and groomed slopes. Due to their responsive nature, the skis offer a playful experience, especially in trees and moguls. They are durable and stable at high speeds, with minimal chatter. The skis require some skill and strength to fully utilize their carving potential, making them ideal for skiers who enjoy a dynamic, controlled skiing experience.
Ideal for
- Rewards advanced skiers with buttery turns
- Playful enough to be fun in trees and through moguls but need to be told what to do
- Rip through crud like it's nothing
Not ideal for
- Not as great floatation as a wider ski provides
Playfulness
I tried these skis in Colorado, where the side hits, groomed runs, and deep trees are plentiful. I loved the bounce and the responsiveness these skis gave me, as if...Read more
Durability
Nordica Santa Ana 98 skis are known for their durability, combining advanced materials and construction techniques to withstand the rigors of various mountain conditions. It is a bit of a...Read more
Carving
The ski carves like a dream. The Santa Anas hold an edge with confidence on those same groomers described above. Skiers need to have some control and ski more aggressively...Read more
Versatility
I own a pair from the 2022 line, and they only got better with the 2024 iteration. This is the perfect one-quiver ski. It might not excel in all categories,...Read more
Flotation
The underfoot width is 98mm, and these skis are a little heavy. Therefore, they might not be as surfy as a typical wider pow ski. However, skiers can still get...Read more
High Speed Stability
I tested these skis on an early morning with fresh corduroy and hardly anyone on the mountain. I am an ex-ski racer, so I was extremely excited to charge these...Read more
Turn Ease
These skis reward a controlled skier. The reduced plastic in the tip and tail makes them easier to turn than other skis. These skis also want to turn underneath. They'll...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Claire Kantor
About the ski gear
- Model: Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2024
Test conditions
- I only tested the 2024 Santa Anas.
- Where I’ve used them: Beaver Creek, CO
- How many times I've used it: 2
Expert Reviews of the Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis
Claire Kantor The 2024 Santa Anas are good for intermediate to advanced skiers. They'll rock the world of an intermediate skier, allowing them to cut through crud, keep stability on groomers, and even surf a little bit of powder. As they grow in their ability, an advanced skier will be able to maximize the ski's capabilities. These skis practically want to carve right underneath my feet but will require some strength and technique to do so. They also have fun pop through tight turns in moguls and trees—an all-around solid ski and fun ride for anyone.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Women's |
| Includes bindings | No |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski type | All Mountain |
| Skill level | Advanced, Expert |
Review Ratings
Playfulness
5/5
Claire Kantor gave 5 of 5 stars. I tried these skis in Colorado, where the side hits, groomed runs, and deep trees are plentiful. I loved the bounce and the responsiveness these skis gave me, as if I had a partner in crime for the Alpine experience. Their responsive nature encourages skiers to push their limits, inviting excitement with every turn.
Durability
5/5
Claire Kantor gave 5 of 5 stars. Nordica Santa Ana 98 skis are known for their durability, combining advanced materials and construction techniques to withstand the rigors of various mountain conditions. It is a bit of a heavier ski, and there is minimal chatter across bumpy, cruddy stuff. Overall, I'd feel confident taking this ski into variable conditions, knowing it will come out alive if it hits some rocks or snags along the way.
Carving
5/5
Claire Kantor gave 5 of 5 stars. The ski carves like a dream. The Santa Anas hold an edge with confidence on those same groomers described above. Skiers need to have some control and ski more aggressively to reach their true carving potential, as the skis hold a lot of energy. When skiers know how to release it, they carve like a racer. It is wonderful.
Versatility
4/5
Claire Kantor gave 4 of 5 stars. I own a pair from the 2022 line, and they only got better with the 2024 iteration. This is the perfect one-quiver ski. It might not excel in all categories, but I feel it can handle anything a skier puts in its path. They are hard-charging yet playful. Stable, yet poppy.
Flotation
4/5
Claire Kantor gave 4 of 5 stars. The underfoot width is 98mm, and these skis are a little heavy. Therefore, they might not be as surfy as a typical wider pow ski. However, skiers can still get through it! These are great in light powder, but skiers will want more if they're blessed with a fresh snowpack beyond 8".
High Speed Stability
5/5
Claire Kantor gave 5 of 5 stars. I tested these skis on an early morning with fresh corduroy and hardly anyone on the mountain. I am an ex-ski racer, so I was extremely excited to charge these down with big turns on a hot lap. These skis were everything I wanted. I felt smooth, stable, and confident, so I could really fly.
Turn Ease
4/5
Claire Kantor gave 4 of 5 stars. These skis reward a controlled skier. The reduced plastic in the tip and tail makes them easier to turn than other skis. These skis also want to turn underneath. They'll hold an edge and inspire control, but they'll release for the next turn when someone tells them to. With good control and a beautiful carve, the Santa Anas will carry skiers blissfully across fresh corduroy. I had fun with these all over the mountain, but I especially love the pop and return to edge when transitioning turns at high speeds. These skis can do everything from quick, short turns to sweeping S turns for the advanced to expert-level skier.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Claire Kantor I love that the Nordica Santa Ana 98s can cut through any snow conditions. Charge through crud, float them through powder, bounce through moguls, slice through corduroy on solid and stable edges; these skis can get skiers through it all.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Claire Kantor I got to take them on a freshly groomed run, where I had full freedom to make sweeping giant slalom turns and fun, shorter radius turns. The way the skis practically wanted to carve on an edge was a dream. The turns were smooth and buttery.
