All-new for 2026, the Nordica Santa Ana 82 with Marker Squire 11 Bindings brings the trusted performance and vibration-damping smoothness of the Santa Ana series into a narrower, frontside-focused silhouette. With an 82 mm waist, this ski is built for precise edge control, lightning-quick transitions, and a composed ride on firm terrain—perfect for skiers who want all the chops of the Santa Ana build in a slimmer, more agile platform. We paired the Santa Ana 82 Women's with the Marker Squire 11 because of the Squire’s high performance and dependability for lighter weight all mountain and freeride skiers. With a light weight construction and a safe, reliable release, the Squire 11 is a go to choice to keep performance high and weight low.

Why we like it:

It delivers serious performance without feeling stiff or overly demanding. For frontside-focused skiers who want something high quality, stable, and responsive, the Santa Ana 82 checks every box—and looks good doing it.

Who it's for:

Ideal for intermediate to advanced women skiers who spend most of their time on groomers and want a high-performance ski that offers agility, edge hold, and a smooth ride, with just enough flexibility for occasional detours into bumps or side stashes.

Highlights:

The Santa Ana 82 uses the same high-end construction found throughout the series: a lightweight wood core, Terrain-Specific Titanal for edge grip and stability, and Nordica’s Pulse Core elastomer insert for vibration damping. The ski feels confident and quiet on edge, while camber underfoot provides rebound and pop for lively carving. Subtle rocker in the tip and tail boosts turn initiation and release, offering a slightly more forgiving feel than you'd expect from a frontside ski this precise. Marker’s Triple Pivot Light 2 Toe and Hollow Linkage Heel systems work in tandem to provide powerful energy transmission to the ski, allowing for maximum edge grip and control of the ski. Lighter weight skiers can rest easy knowing the Squire 11 will be easier than ever to step into thanks to a re-designed heel piece. Perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Squire 11 is the anti-ice rail, which sits on top of the toepiece and can be used to scrape the sole of your boots clean before stepping in.

Things to consider:

While nimble and smooth, the 82 mm waist means this ski is built primarily for groomed trails and firm snow. It lacks the float and freeride feel of the wider Santa Ana models and is best suited to skiers with good technique who prioritize control over softness or playfulness.

Fit & sizing considerations:

These skis run true to size. Stick with your regular length for optimal control and carving performance. If you want a bit more agility in bumps or tight spaces, sizing down slightly is a smart move.