2026 Nordica Santa Ana 82

The 2026 Nordica Santa Ana 82 is a crisp and solid turner featuring the same construction that’s found in the wider Santa Ana skis. Thanks to the use of an energetic core, a fun-loving shape, and a titanal laminate, these skis are ready to carve up groomers and rip through bumps with the best of them. As the narrowest of the Santa Ana skis, it’s the easiest to get up on edge and will work the best on firmer snow, but it won’t hold up as well in softer snow as the wider skis in the line. As such, there’s a bit more of a traditional feel here, but it’s nice to see a narrower ski with freeride heritage to boost versatility.

Built with Nordica’s Energy Ti core, the Santa Ana 82 uses a blend of poplar and beech. This makes the ski responsive and energetic and allows for a mix of high-speed stability and slower turn compliance. On top of the wood core, Nordica utilizes their Terrain-Specific Metal laminate which delivers both power and smoothness to the ski. It’s a full-length layer but narrows in the middle to provide more energy and pep along the edges while keeping the central spine stable and damp. Additionally, Nordica uses a Pulse Core laminate underfoot to further dampen vibrations. We’re seeing this tech in most of Nordica’s skis these days and it really works well to keep the ski engaged on its edges. Megan Papineau calls it “Fun! Not a lot different than the Santa Ana 97 but since the 97 has better flotation, it’s better for softer snow. This works great on groomers.”

At 82 mm underfoot, there aren’t many freeride inspired skis like this out there. It’s a high-end ski with more rocker and taper than many other skis of this width, giving it more playfulness overall and usefulness in off-piste situations. The Santa Ana 82 produces a 16-meter turn radius in the 161 cm length so it has a nice mid-range from which to work. We’ve found that the skis make great short carves and can open up to longer and faster turns as well—it's not locked into a particular turn shape or style. The taper and rocker gets progressively less as the Santa Ana line decreases in width, so this is the most cambered and least tapered of the group. Tester Ashley Maxfield says that “this is a great front side ski for groomers. Skied like a slalom ski for those that can carve a quick, small ski.”

Skiers who are looking to progress in a freeride manner but still want great edge grip and a precise feel will love the Nordica Santa Ana 82. They are super-quick from edge to edge and excel in shorter carves while still holding on to some higher speed compliance. Intermediate skiers will fare well here, but they are probably too much for a progressing beginner. If you’re looking to expand your boundaries and wish to venture off-trail, ski bumps, and navigate trees, this is the place to be.