Discussing How to Correct the Slapping Noise of Your XC Skis when Diagonal Striding

One of my biggest pet peeves when classic cross-country skiing is the occasional slapping noise that the skis make. In this video, I share my thoughts about why this occurs and then I talk about a general way in which to correct it.
I admit that I don't have a surefire method to correct this slapping situation. Basically, you just have to work on becoming a more dynamic xc skier. Be deliberate in setting the grip zone (i.e. flattening the ski so the grip zone grabs the snow), and then push off with assertiveness. But since we're only talking a matter of inches, here, making the necessary adjustments in your technique may actually be harder than you think.
Just keep in mind that the reason for the slapping is ultimately simple. You're landing your trailing ski (as it comes in to be the glide ski) too soon. Not by much, again, only a couple of inches. But you're landing it just soon enough that it has nowhere else to go but down, causing the SLAP! noise that you're hearing.
In this video, I was running Fischer Excursion 88mm skis with NNN BC manual bindings and a pair of Fischer BCX6 boots.
• / jaredmanninen (monthly contributions of $3, $6, $9, $39, or $99)
• www.paypal.com... (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• venmo.com/u/Ta... (option for making a single, one-time monetary contribution)
• JaredManninen....​ (merchandise account featuring my outdoor-related imagery)
Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.
Classic Cross-Country Ski Components:
Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
tahoetrailguid...
Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
tahoetrailguid...
The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
tahoetrailguid...
Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
tahoetrailguid...
Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
tahoetrailguid...
Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
tahoetrailguid...
FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
tahoetrailguid...
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis (for beginner and intermediate xc skiers):
Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguid...
Step-by-Step Waxing Tutorial
tahoetrailguid...
FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguid...
Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
tahoetrailguid...
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2)
tahoetrailguid...
I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.
Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.
Copyright © 2022 Jared Manninen
For more information, visit…
TahoeTrailGuid...

[@cdesmar]

I've been asking myself this question for too many years... Thank you for providing this complete explanation, I am going to try putting my trailing ski forward a few cm's (greetings from Canada) next time, likely in the coming days. Merci!

[@JaredManninen]

Thanks so much for the kind words! And glad I could provide some insight regarding slapping skis :)
It's definitely frustrating when it happens, but understanding why does help us to correct it. Good luck, and I'd be curious to hear about your experience making the adjustment!
Thanks again for tuning in and for the meaningful feedback. Take care!

[@Heeresbergfuhrer]

Great stuff as always Jared! Envious of the snow. Hoping to get some more snow this weekend to possibly ski on. Loved the Telemark turns and the off camera “Sitzmark” at the end. 😎 😀 🤣. Skiheil Kamerad!

[@JaredManninen]

Thanks, Patrick! It is pretty cool that we've had so much snow. I'd still like to see a bunch of smaller storms roll through Tahoe this winter, but so far so good :)
Yeah, I made some turns but the snow was so punchy in random spots that I kept burying my skis (and subsequently bit it - haha!). In some respects it feels like spring skiing conditions right now, but the snow doesn't totally feel consolidated. And, of course, I don't want it to be spring yet!
Hope you get snow soon! As always, thanks for tuning in :)

[@heathercarr7376]

Thanks Jared! I do this and it drives me nuts too. Something to work on!

[@JaredManninen]

You're welcome, Heather 🤗 I appreciate you tuning in and for the comment. Let me know if you ever have any questions!

[@CBiscuit25]

Thanks for addressing this, I'm just starting classic xc skiing this year and this is an occasional hitch in my technique I was wondering about. Jared, do you have a favorite place to xc ski in Minnesota?

[@JaredManninen]

Thanks so much for tuning in, and for the nice feedback I appreciate it :)
Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with good locations in which to cross-country ski in Minnesota. Although I did grow up in the Twin Cities, I didn't actually xc ski back then. My winter sport was wrestling, believe it or not, during junior high and high school. All of that said, I'd recommend contacting Gear West and Finn Sisu about the best xc ski trails. They're both fantastic Minnesota xc ski retailers and have a lot of knowledge to share.
Thanks again for your kind words :)

[@user-qh7gl9hc1x]

Would be more helpful if the technique could be shown with video clips, slapping and not slapping.

[@JaredManninen]

Yeah, I agree that I should've included more examples. I've since been trying to make more succinct videos. Perhaps I'll revisit this topic in the future to make something a bit more straightforward.