#5 on this list
Stern
Jake
The Jake Stern entry appears on this list as an editorial aggregation artifact originating from ski test director and tester bylines rather than a commercially manufactured production ski. Prominently listed across major ski testing outlets, the associated data reflects the standardized testing protocols, physical dimensions, and operational feedback of the expert testing pool itself. These tests involve aggressive downhill runs across steep groomers, heavy crud, tight moguls, and fresh powder stashes to evaluate structural skis in authentic resort environments. When evaluating the all-mountain testing data behind this listing, the primary takeaway is the rigor applied to measuring ski performance. Expert testers assess how core dampening, titanal framing, and profile cambers respond to varied skier weights and aggressive driving styles. The feedback collected provides critical comparative baselines for attributes like torsional rigidity, chatter absorption, and edge release under demanding conditions. Because this entry represents testing personnel and byline metadata rather than physical ski hardware available for purchase, consumers should disregard it as an actionable ski model. When shopping for actual gear, direct your attention toward standard production models on this list that match your preferred waist width, flex profile, and terrain needs. **Highlights** * Represents aggregate testing feedback from advanced industry ski testers * Reflected in evaluations covering crud performance, stability, and edge carving * Backed by standardized downhill testing across complex resort terrain * Contextualized by testing standards designed to stress-test high-speed equipment **Watch-outs** * Data artifact representing tester bylines and credentials, not a retail product * Cannot be purchased or mounted with ski bindings
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#6 on this list
Santa Ana 97
Nordica
The Nordica Santa Ana 97 is engineered as a high-performance, women’s-specific all-mountain ski that refuses to cut corners on power, stability, or construction quality. Featuring a 97mm waist platform, this ski is built to serve as an all-conditions daily driver capable of ripping hardpack groomers while floating smoothly through variable storm snow. Nordica incorporates targeted metal laminates tuned specifically to balance stiffness and weight, providing a composed ride that appeals directly to intermediate through expert women charging the entire resort. In variable resort snow, the Santa Ana 97 exhibits a stable, confidence-inspiring personality. The damp wood and metal core eats up crust, slush, and heavy chop without jittery feedback reaching the skier’s knees. Tip rocker enables easy flotation and intuitive turn transitions in softer snow, while sufficient camber underfoot guarantees reliable edge purchase on firm mornings. It transitions seamlessly between carving wide arcs on open bowls and picking controlled lines down technical off-piste trails. While more manageable than some of its ultra-heavy unisex counterparts, the Santa Ana 97 is still a substantial ski with a firm backbone. Skiers who prefer a featherlight, ultra-soft setup or spend most of their time at relaxed speeds may find it somewhat stiff to maneuver in tight moguls. It rewards a confident skier who stays centered and drives the boots. **Highlights** * Terrain-specific metal laminate tailored for balanced flex and vibration damping * 97mm waist width excels equally in soft powder and packed resort snow * Exceptional stability at speed with virtually no tip chatter * Balanced rocker-camber profile facilitates smooth turn initiation * Durable construction that withstands hard, repetitive resort use **Watch-outs** * Stiffer flex demands deliberate skier input in tight bump lines * Premium price tag demands a clear commitment to high-performance skiing
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Stern | Santa Ana 97 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Classification | Editorial data artifact / Tester byline | — |
| Primary Source | Outside Magazine / SKI Magazine | — |
| Tester Height | 5 ft 11 in | — |
| Tester Weight | 170 lbs | — |
| Target Discipline | All-Mountain Resort Skiing | — |
| Commercial Availability | None (non-retail entity) | — |
| Category | — | All-mountain ski |
| Waist Width | — | 97 mm |
| Profile | — | Rocker-camber-rocker |
| Core | — | Wood with terrain-specific Titanal |
| Ability Level | — | Intermediate to expert |
| MSRP | — | Around $800 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Stern
- Reflects rigorous field testing protocols used by veteran gear journalists
- Benchmarked against demanding terrain and variable snow at Sun Valley
- Derived from structured scoring across nine distinct ski performance departments
- Provides realistic biometric reference points for advanced gear testing
- Not a physical ski and cannot be purchased or mounted with bindings
- Originates from a metadata parsing error that misidentifies an author
- Provides no actual ski dimensions, sidecut radius, or construction materials
Santa Ana 97
- Exceptional dampness and high-speed stability through choppy, uneven snow
- Versatile 97mm waist balances firm-snow carving and off-piste float
- Tenacious edge hold on hardpack backed by traditional camber underfoot
- Robust construction retains flex pattern and camber across multiple seasons
- Demands active skier input and forward stance in tight mogul lines
- Noticeably heavier than lightweight carbon-focused freeride skis
- Premium price point requires a serious commitment to the sport
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.