Santa Ana 97 vs Ripstick 94 W
top ten:best alpine skis
Choosing between the Nordica Santa Ana 97 and the Elan Ripstick 94 W comes down to how you define all-mountain performance: high-speed, damp stability versus intuitive, lightweight agility. Both are premier women's all-mountain skis hovering around the versatile mid-90-millimeter waist mark, yet their engineering philosophies diverge sharply on snow. The Santa Ana 97 uses Nordica's terrain-specific metal matrix over a dense wood core, delivering a grounded, charging feel that obliterates afternoon chop, demands engaged driving, and rewards athletic technique on firm groomers and steep off-piste terrain alike. In contrast, the Elan Ripstick 94 W relies on carbon rods embedded in a lightweight woodcore paired with Elan's asymmetric Amphibio profile, prioritizing effortless turn initiation, lively rebound, and low swing weight in tight bumps and trees. If you are an aggressive skier who values high-speed edge hold above all else, the Santa Ana pulls you in; if you seek an all-day ski that minimizes leg fatigue across varied terrain, the Ripstick presents an exceptionally compelling case.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Santa Ana 97 | Ripstick 94 W |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (per pair / ski) | Approx. 1,850 g per ski (165 cm) | Approx. 1,570 g per ski (162 cm) |
| Available Lengths / Sizing | 153, 161, 167, 173, 179 cm | 146, 154, 162, 170, 178 cm |
| Core Materials | Performance wood core, Carbon Chassis, Terrain-Specific Titanal sheet | Tubelite Woodcore, Carbon Rods, Carbon Line Technology, VaporTip inserts |
| Price Tier | Premium ($750 - $800 MSRP) | Mid-to-Premium ($700 - $750 MSRP) |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 2 years limited |
| Best Use | Aggressive all-mountain charging, crud busting, firm carves | Finesse all-mountain cruising, moguls, tight glades, light powder |
| Portability & Swing Weight | Moderate-to-heavy swing weight; demanding in tight spots | Exceptionally low swing weight; highly maneuverable |
| Durability | Very high; rugged topsheet and metal laminate resist heavy impacts | High; reinforced edges, though lighter construction is more sensitive to severe rock strikes |
| Feature Highlights | Terrain-Specific Metal laminate, All-Mountain Rocker profile, TrueBlend core | Amphibio asymmetric profile (dedicated Left/Right skis), full-length carbon tube inserts |
Santa Ana 97
Best for: Advanced-to-expert skiers who demand a damp, metal-reinforced powerhouse that thrives on charging fast through chop and railing hard-snow carves.
Pros
- Unshakable edge grip and dampness through rough, chopped-up snow and ice
- Tailored Titanal sheet delivers race-inspired stability at high speeds
- Generates strong energy out of carves for technically proficient skiers
Cons
- Significantly heavier, requiring continuous input and muscular steering in bumps
- Punishes passive or back-seat skiing technique
Ripstick 94 W
Best for: Intermediate-to-expert skiers seeking a lightweight, playful carver that turns effortlessly in tight glades and bumps without exhausting the legs.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight and nimble, reducing physical fatigue during full ski days
- Amphibio asymmetric profile makes edge-to-edge transitions virtually effortless
- Exceptional quickness and compliance through tight trees and zipper-line bumps
Cons
- Can get chattery and deflected when plowing through heavy, refrozen chunder at speed
- Dedicated left and right skis mean you cannot swap sides midday
The Verdict
The Nordica Santa Ana 97 earns the overall win for pure all-mountain mastery because its dampness, structural composure, and snow feel remain unflinching no matter how ugly conditions become. Where lighter skis fold under high-speed pressure, the Santa Ana 97 plows through tracked snow and locks into carves on boilerplate ice with utter authority. However, this powerhouse demeanor makes it overkill for those who prefer dynamic finesse over raw muscle. The Elan Ripstick 94 W is the superior choice for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a playful, fatigue-free ride that pivots on a dime in technical glades and soft moguls. Ultimately, choose the Santa Ana 97 if you crave high-speed stability and drive your boots forward with force; pick the Ripstick 94 W if you want a lightweight, intuitive ski that keeps your legs fresh from first chair to last call.
See where both rank in the full list: the complete Top 10 →