Opinions Please: New Skis for my Wife

My wife loves her Nordica Nemesis 153's. I literally can't get her to try anything else, she rides them no matter the conditions. I have been doing some research and am wanting to get her a pair of Nordica La Nina 169s. With her already having the Nemesis is the La Nina a good option to have in her quiver or should I look for something else? As you all know conditions can range from an ice skating rink, to soft groomers to light, deep pow. Any opinions and insight that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I don't know anything about either model, but my first thought is that jumping from a 153 to a 169 is a lot more ski. Is a 153 way under-sized for her?

153 is just right on her Nemesis. I bought them last year but now she has progressed enough that I think she can handle a longer, fatter ski. The La Nina has the High Cam Rock, so a lot of rocker in the tip and tail, and camber under-foot.

See if she's interested in demoing a pair of other skis, or checking out a ski demo like the one presently stickied in Random Tracks? Why pick out a ski when you can get feedback from the skier herself?

Some of the best skiers I know ski one ski for everything... The 98 mm waist of the Nemesis should be about the sweet spot of a one-ski quiver for the PNW, especially with a soft-snow bias.

Are there particular conditions/goals she has that new skis might bring into reach?

Charlie,

No specific conditions or goals with new skis. It is mainly because I have heard such great things about the La Nina and I can get a very good price on a pair now. I actually just got her to start touring with me. Had the Barons installed on her Nemesis and she loves them and the touring aspect of skiing!

How tall is your wife? I wont ask how much she weighs to save you from trouble.

I have to second the concern that going from 153 to 169 is a huge jump! Will you wife be touring in these new skis? She might end up beating you over the head with her poles if you ask her to make a kick turn in the longer skis.

Seems that these days ~170 is the longest length available for most women's skis. So unless your wife is taller than average or a really aggressive skier I'd look for a shorter ski.

Just to give you a point of reference...I'm a female, 5'7", 120lbs and an aggressive skier. I can handle and prefer a ski at 170-175. Anything shorter feels squirrelly to me.