2023 Stockli Nela 80

The 2023 Stockli Nela 80 gets a graphics refresh, but remains the same amazing all-mountain ski that has a focus on quality, short turns, and ease of use. Built with a light wood core, thin glass laminate, and titec topsheet, you’re still getting an amazingly agile and well-built ski, but at a lighter weight and with a shorter turn radius. In the 157 cm length, the skis generate a 14-meter turn radius, so they’re pretty quick from edge to edge. Whereas the wider Nela skis are better suited for advanced and expert skiers, the 80 is a bit easier to use, making it accessible for intermediates and advanced skiers who want fantastic quality in their ski gear.

Danielle Nichols tested a 165 cm Nela 80, which happens to be the longest length available in this women’s specific ski. If you want to go longer than that, you’ll have to opt for a unisex model like the Laser AR. That said, Danielle is an aggressive skier, and she thought the 165 cm length worked perfectly for her, so we don’t expect many women will need a longer length. Fantastic scores from Danielle too, with stability, quickness/maneuverability, playfulness, forgiveness, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and overall impression all earning 5 out of 5 marks. The remaining criteria were right behind receiving solid 4 out of 5 scores. “This is a perfect groomer ski. Like a freight train without being too heavy. It makes skiing easier. Totally my style. Effortless. I can’t wait to try the wider one. Could be my everyday ski.” One of Stockli’s biggest accomplishments in their recent ski designs is combining stability and a lightweight feel. It’s one of the biggest challenges for ski manufacturers, and no one does it better than Stockli. We love the idea that Danielle found it easy to ski, while also satisfying her demands and expectations as an experienced expert skier.

Carly Monahan also went for the 165 cm, which she noted felt perfect for her size and ability level. Carly’s scores weren’t quite as impressive as what we saw from Lexi, but certainly weren’t anything to scoff at. Quickness/maneuverability and torsional stiffness/edge grip both earned full 5 out of 5 scores, with all other criteria, except flotation, at 4 out of 5. At 80 mm underfoot, we don’t expect a lot of flotation, so no concern there. “The Nela 80 is a chameleon, blending in anywhere on the mountain. Though likely a bit narrow for deep snow, the Nela excelled in our testing conditions - plowed through chopped up mashed potatoes, bopped and bashed in corn bumps. The tails aren’t too stiff to swish around, though I have to imagine the Nela would hold a turn nicely in firmer snow.” Lexi Hildreth decided on the 157 cm length for her testing, but ultimately decided she would rather have the 165. We expect that hurt some of her scores, as we didn’t get any full scores from Lexi, but we did get a lot of 4 out of 5 marks, including stability, quickness/maneuverability, forgiveness, torsional stiffness, and overall impression. Still impressive scores there despite the shorter length she skied. “These are a great frontside carver. Would be an awesome choice for groomed runs! High-end ski for intermediate to advanced skiers. I felt they were a little tough in the spring conditions, but I would love to try them again on a corduroy day!”

The Nela 80 does a fantastic job at blurring the line between a front side and all-mountain ski. With the shape to handle groomed trails and firmer snow while the build has more of a freeride personality, the Nela 80 is supremely versatile, remaining true to the all-mountain roots.