Tester: Madeline Dunn

The entire Santa Ana collection this year blew me away. Growing up as a Junior Olympic and NorAm level ski racer, I expect excellence when it comes to big mountain skis.  I need a ski that can turn on a dime, float in the powder and rip the groomers, often on the same run.

This Santa Ana 93 does just that for me, day after day. It’s my go-to ski for any day that I plan to take at least a few groomer laps, knowing I’ll be off-piste on every other run. Being a racer, I never gave up that desire for the best and most responsive equipment. I grew up racing on Nordica and still ski their entire quiver to this day.

This year’s collection of Santa Ana skis dials down the dosage of metal to a single sheet of Titanal that varies in dimension by model and size. As a female who has skied both the Enforcer and Santa Ana collection, this shift to one piece of metal instead of two in the women’s line has been a game changer for the brand.  One piece of metal delivers just the right amount of sturdiness while also keeping the ski lighter for a lady that likes to ski bell-to-bell.

I like the 93, even for big mountain skiing, because I always feel the need to throw my edges over and get low to the ground when ripping a turn.  The 93mm underfoot lets me do just that where a wider ski might lead to sore ankles when carving on groomers. My goal every day is to ski hard and long while keeping my body fit and ready for another day in the mountains.  You can’t ski every day if you don’t prepare your body accordingly. You can ski the Santa Ana 93 until you’re 93 because it’s lighter, faster and safer.