Blizzard Black Pearl 88 vs Nordica Santa Ana 87: Which Women's Ski Should You Buy?

Compare the 2027 Black Pearl 88 and Santa Ana 87 for women, including intended ability, shape, length choices and current US prices.

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Pick the Blizzard Black Pearl 88 if you're an advanced woman skier who wants a medium-flex ski with a wide choice of lengths. Pick the Nordica Santa Ana 87 if you're an intermediate or advanced woman whose priority is an all-mountain ski at a lower starting price. Their waist widths are close enough that skier fit and intended ability are better reasons to choose than the model numbers.

We haven't skied these two for this comparison.

The specs side by side

The Blizzard Black Pearl 88 and Nordica Santa Ana 87 were in stock at US shops on 5 Nov 2026; the prices below are in USD.

Similar middle, broader Blizzard tip

The Black Pearl has an 88 mm waist, against 87 mm for the Santa Ana. That is a very small difference underfoot. The Blizzard has a more noticeably broader tip and a wider tail, which gives the two skis different proportions despite the similar middle.

The Black Pearl's 11-16.5 m radius range reaches shorter than the Santa Ana's 15-16 m range. Its shorter sizes should appeal to a smaller skier who likes compact carved turns on groomed snow. If you enjoy a steady rhythm of medium arcs, the Santa Ana's turn shape is a good match.

The Santa Ana's 87 mm waist is useful for a resort day built around packed trails, with quick transitions from edge to edge. It makes sense when you want to improve linked turns and occasionally explore softer snow beside the run. For bumps, favor a length you can steer comfortably and release the edges before changing direction.

Match the ski to your confidence

The Black Pearl is aimed at advanced and expert skiers and has a medium flex. It is an appealing option for a skilled skier who wants to bend the ski through a turn without committing to a stiff model. A lighter woman with confident technique should give that combination particular attention.

The Santa Ana is aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers. Choose it when your goal is to become more confident across familiar resort terrain and one of its lengths fits your weight and pace. Its lower starting price also leaves more room in the budget for lessons, which are useful when refining edge control and turn timing.

For a heavier skier, neither the women's designation nor the ability range replaces checking how the intended length supports you. Choose around actual strength, pace and terrain instead of assuming all women's skis make the same demands.

Blizzard reaches farther in both directions

The Black Pearl spans 146 to 176 cm, while the Santa Ana runs from 150 to 173 cm. A smaller woman may find the Blizzard's shorter starting point useful. A taller or stronger woman gets the longest option in the Blizzard, though the Santa Ana's 173 cm size also deserves consideration.

If a Santa Ana length already suits you, the broader Black Pearl range is not itself a benefit. It matters only when it solves a real sizing need. Do not buy a longer Black Pearl solely because your preferred Santa Ana length is sold out at the cheapest shop.

Which should you buy

Choose the Black Pearl 88 for advanced skiing, its medium flex, or a length beyond the Santa Ana's range. Choose the Santa Ana 87 for intermediate-to-advanced all-mountain use when one of its sizes fits and price matters.

Compare the Black Pearl 88 and Santa Ana 87 in your actual size. Our women's ski guide explains how to keep body size and skiing style at the center of that choice.