Skiers willing to buy last season's colour scheme can pick up a serious bargain. The Nordica Santa Ana 102 — named the top all-mountain wide ski in Ski Magazine's latest tester rankings — is currently discounted by up to 60% in its 2025/26 version, and there's essentially no reason to pay full price for the newer model. The only change year to year is the graphic; the construction, dimensions and on-snow behaviour are identical.
The ski itself is built for a specific type of skier: expert women who charge hard. Its 130.5-102-120.5mm dimensions and dual layers of Titanal metal give it a damp, chatter-free feel across the whole mountain, from firm groomers to chopped-up crud and fresh snow. Testers highlighted its stability at high speed, dependable edge grip on hard snow, and a general sense that the ski will hold together no matter how hard you push it. It comes in five lengths, from 155cm to 179cm.
The trade-off is worth understanding before you click buy. This is not a forgiving or playful ski. Testers flagged that it's punishing for anyone still developing their technique, and it's stiff and demanding in bumps. If your days involve gentle cruising or you're still building confidence, this isn't the right tool — and the discount won't change that. But for strong, aggressive skiers who like to drive a ski and want something that rewards commitment, the testers' verdict was emphatic: it lets you ski faster than your nerves normally allow.
Why does a gear deal matter to holiday planners? Because skis are one of the biggest costs of a ski trip, and buying a top-performing model at 60% off effectively frees up a chunk of budget for lift passes, accommodation or an extra day on the mountain. Just check the length range suits you before committing, and remember that last-season stock tends to sell out in the popular sizes first.
