Alpine skis
Product 2025
Lady
We awarded the Rossignol Nova 14 with a First Test Award from 4outside because it is perfectly suited for a very skilled skier who is comfortable with her balance. However, it does require some effort to really get the most out of it and to feel fully at ease.
The transition into “carving mode” is almost immediate. You need to manage the edge length and the grip just behind the boot heel. No doubt about it, the Rossignol Nova 14 is powerful and eager to enter the turn, get on edge, and carve. It’s almost a carving machine: “carving oriented.”
The Rossignol Nova 14 is highly enjoyable on hard snow, provided you’re ready to work with a ski that accelerates as it engages its edge. You quickly enter the curve and experience a full range of sensations. You need to be precise in your vertical and horizontal balance. Managing front-to-back pressure is crucial because the ski’s tail is powerful—don’t get caught out. You can apply some pressure to the rear, and you’ll see that the ski has a great response. A skilled skier will find this ski very enjoyable and capable of taking them far.
The downside, on very hard snow, is when you want to flatten the Rossignol Nova 14 or skid it—it’s less intuitive. It tends to grab at the tip and wants to stay on edge. The tail is present and can catch your feet. As you can tell, you need the power and technique to control it.
Considering its sidecut, it logically tends to wash out in a direct line. You need to apply a bit of pressure at the tip to prevent too much movement at the front. However, on hard snow in turns, the tip doesn’t tap or make noise.
The ski is very forgiving, and in small, cut turns, it’s incredibly pleasant. In tight turns, you can lengthen or change the shape of the turn. Of course, if you push the Rossignol Nova 14 very hard in carving, you might find its limits—but only if you really push it!
Glide is slightly behind other skis in its class. It has a very polished, high-end finish, both elaborate and tasteful. We really liked the ribs on the ski that make it easier to carry the Rossignol Nova 14 with gloves on. It’s not overly heavy to carry. The tip has a neat screw attachment, but the screws are hidden. The heel is made of elastomer.
The Rossignol Nova 14 holds well in large angulations. It’s perfectly balanced, well-built, responsive, playful, and present underfoot without being overbearing. A great formula. Award First.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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