2023 Stockli Nela 96

Stockli’s Nela 96 for 2023 gets a graphics refresh, but remains the same amazingly versatile all-mountain ski that consistently scores super-high in all categories. At 96 mm underfoot, the skis are right in the sweet spot for absolute well-roundedness, allowing the skier the peace of mind to choose one pair of skis for everything. The 164 cm length generates a 15.8-meter turn radius and weighs 1650 grams per ski, so it’s pretty darn light for having two sheets of metal, including the top one. By using the topsheet as a structural metal laminate, each and every bit of input that you incorporate gets directly transmitted to the ski, creating a totally precise unit as well as supreme damping properties. With tip and tail rocker to foster the freeride character of the ski, the Nela 96 floats as well as it carves, and that’s fantastic news for advanced and expert skiers who want one pair of skis that does it all.

Jana Ross skied the 164 and noted that it skis true to size, scoring it all 5’s out of 5 except for a lone 4 for playfulness. This is a high baseline average score for sure, highlighting the overall quality and impression of the ski. Jana notes that she “was surprised how well the 96 held on and let me charge down the mountain. I’m not exactly a ripper but this ski made me want to ski like one. I expected it to be heavier and more sluggish as I skied a longer length for me but the opposite was true. And the gold color is fantastic! I bet you will feel like a goddess descending on a beam of light.” That is a very pure and colorful image for sure!

Abby Maurice “would ride the 164 and stay true to that length.” She, like Jana, also stayed in the 4 and 5 range for scores, with 5’s going for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, and stability. Very high average scores here as well, and while that’s kind of expected from a top-end ski like this, it’s always nice to see it come through in the scoring. Abby states “I haven't given many skis an overall impression of 5, but the Nela 96 gets it all day, every day! I was living my best life cruising around with this Cadillac! It's difficult to write about them because my mind is absolutely blown. They're heavy and light! How? They're agile AND stiff. HOW? They're sweeping and narrow! HOW!? I couldn't get enough of what these skis were capable of. I would recommend them to an advanced to expert skier. The Nela's are looking for someone with technique, body awareness and a solid skiing foundation to maximize their abilities.” Fantastic feedback from Abby here, noting the oxymoronic properties of the Nela 96. It’s always impressive when a ski can hold multiple and different qualities at the same time.

The Nela 96 shows its true colors when it comes to versatility and high-performance skiing. With a lighter weight, an accessible flex, and a shorter turn radius, the ski has a fantastic range for skiers who are looking to do it all out there on the hill. From powder and bumps to steeps and trees, this ski is a well-rounded, precise, and top-quality product that will keep you smiling from bell to bell.