2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 29th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Our testers have given the 2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102 high marks for its superb blend of power and agility across various terrains. Here's what stands out:
Leslie Sroczynski highlighted the Santa Ana 102's "innovative design and outstanding performance." Despite initial concerns about the weight, Leslie found that once on the slopes, the skis felt responsive and provided a smooth, chatter-free ride thanks to a strategically placed piece of rubber underfoot. The agility and maneuverability of these skis were particularly appreciated, making them a solid choice for any skier looking for a reliable all-mountain performer.
Cassidy Lavender praised the ski for its "perfect blend of power and play," suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The new wood core and additional rubber layer underfoot were credited with providing the smoothest ride yet on a Nordica ski. Cassidy's experience suggests that these skis are versatile enough to confidently tackle high speeds on groomers while also being playful enough to explore varied terrain.
Sammi Bushman found the Santa Ana 102 to be sturdy and responsive, ideal for skiers who enjoy steep and off-piste runs. The ski's construction includes a terrain-specific sheet of titanal and a new hybrid core, which contributes to its dampness and responsiveness. However, Sammi notes that the ski's added weight demands more leg strength and speed to fully unleash its potential, making it less suitable for beginners.
Overall, the Nordica Santa Ana 102 comes across as a highly recommended option for advanced skiers who demand both stability and flexibility from their gear, capable of performing excellently in diverse mountain conditions.
Technical Details
"Building on the revered performance of the Santa Ana family, their evolved shape is truly at ease in any terrain. Thanks to an enhanced design—which pairs both a wood core and an elastomer Pulse core with a sheet of terrain-specific metal—these legendary skis are smoother, more playful and versatile than ever."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 155, 161, 167, 173, 179 |
| Dimensions (Tip-Waist-Tail, mm) | 131-102-121 (167cm) |
| Turn Radius (m) | 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5 |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
| Construction | Terrain-Specific Metal Pulse Core |
| Weight | - |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Nordica — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102 Skis:
In assessing the 2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102, we enlisted three of our evo employees, bringing a mix of advanced skiing abilities and styles that include all-mountain, freeride, and groomers/carving. These evaluations unfolded at two key locations: Loveland, CO and Brighton, UT, challenging the skis across a spectrum of conditions and terrains. Each tester used the skis in sizes that matched their preferences—167 cm and 173 cm—tailoring the experience to their individual styles and physical attributes.
The testers' varied experiences ensure our review encapsulates a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making it a reliable resource for those considering the Nordica Santa Ana 102. Read on for each tester's perspective, as they provide detailed insights into how these skis perform in real-world conditions.
Leslie Sroczynski
Accounts Payable Specialist
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 167 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
Great All Mountain Ski for any level of Skier.
"The Santa Ana 102's impressed me with their innovative design and outstanding performance. I usually go for a bit of a longer ski, but I was pleasantly surprised by these. Nordica put a piece of rubber underfoot, which provided a ton of stability ensuring a smooth ride without any chatter, while the skis nimbleness made maneuvering a delight. Despite feeling a bit heavy in hand, the skis shed that weight on the slopes, offering a responsive and enjoyable experience. If you seek a ski that combines stability and agility seamlessly, while performing on the entirety of the mountain, the Santa Ana's are a solid choice for any skier."
Cassidy Lavender
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 173 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
The perfect blend of power and play for intermediate to more advances skiers!
"I am an advanced, all-mountain, freeride skier. I'm 5'9 and love going anywhere and everywhere on the mountain, so I really like a ski that I can feel confident on no matter the conditions. I am keen on hitting high speeds on the groomers, but also spend my fair share of time seeking out all kinds of terrain so I need a mid-stiff ski that I can still play around on. I tested the 173 length ski and it was great for me. The 102s have a brand-new wood core and a layer of rubber underfoot that, in my opinion, unlocks the smoothest ride on a Nordica ski yet. The idea with the tweaks in the shapes, widths, rocker profiles, and construction is to make this ski a little less intimidating for someone who is advancing and looking for the perfect blend of power and play. I would feel confident having this ski as my trusty go-to all-mountain ride!"
Sammi Bushman
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 167 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Sturdy sliding for sendy skiers
"The new Santa Ana boasts a terrain-specific sheet of titanal and a new hybrid core, that makes it damper and more responsive than the previous iteration. It skied true to size, a 167 was perfect for me. On groomers, it held an edge and ripped around like something much narrower, while off in the steeps, I felt stable and supported, especially when caught between rocks and moguls. That being said, the added weight may throw you for a loop on first ride. It takes more leg strength to initiate turns and overall more speed to really unleash the power that this ski provides. A few days on the snow should give you enough practice to maneuver it with ease. That being said, I recommend the Nordica Santa Ana 102 for all-mountain skiers who are mostly skiing steep and off-piste runs, but find themselves out in every type of condition. It is not for beginners due to its weight and fortitude, but provides a strong and responsive platform for those who are prepared to give it a little push."
Pros
Stability and Smooth Ride: The incorporation of rubber underfoot and a new wood core structure has significantly enhanced the stability, allowing for a smooth and chatter-free experience on diverse terrains. Testers appreciated how these features contributed to a reliable and enjoyable ride, even at high speeds or on challenging slopes.
Versatility: This ski's ability to perform well across the entire mountain—from groomers to off-piste conditions—makes it a standout choice for advanced skiers seeking a single ski that can handle a variety of conditions without compromising on performance.
Improved Maneuverability: Despite its weight, once in motion, the Santa Ana 102 sheds any sluggishness, becoming highly responsive and agile. Especially compared to previous iterations of the Santa Ana, this new profile is easier to initiate turns on.
Cons
Perceived Weight: The skis initially feel heavy, which might be intimidating or off-putting for some skiers. This attribute requires a bit of adaptation and may not be suitable for those who prefer a lighter, more effortless ski.
Strength Requirement: Due to their robust construction and the energy needed to harness their full potential, these skis demand more from the skier in terms of leg strength and effort, particularly when initiating turns or maintaining speed.
Not Beginner-Friendly: The Santa Ana 102's performance features and demands make it less suitable for beginners or those who are not yet comfortable managing more advanced skiing techniques and terrains.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Nordica Santa Ana 102 is ideally suited for advanced skiers who thrive on varied mountain terrain and seek a ski that can handle both high-speed groomers and the unpredictability of off-piste conditions.
This ski shines for those who are already confident in their abilities and looking for equipment that can elevate their performance across the mountain. With features designed to enhance stability and responsiveness, it offers a robust platform for aggressive skiing styles. The Santa Ana 102 is particularly commendable for skiers who enjoy a mix of all-mountain and freeride skiing, thanks to its versatility and the ability to provide a smooth ride in diverse conditions. However, its heavier weight and the strength required to maneuver it might not be best for those new to the sport or for skiers who prefer a more forgiving, lightweight ski. Therefore, it's less recommended for beginners or intermediate skiers who are not yet comfortable handling more demanding terrain and conditions.