Inside the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team’s High-Tech Wax Truck, ‘Yolanda’
America’s Olympic cross-country ski team has achieved notable success at recent international competitions, including a silver medal for Ben Ogden and a bronze for Jessie Diggins at the 2026 Games in Italy. A key component of this success lies with the dedicated team of technicians who meticulously prepare the athletes’ skis, a process crucial for maximizing performance.
The Importance of Ski Preparation
The ability to perform at the podium level is largely thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of ski technicians. They spend hours before each race applying specialized wax formulas, carefully scraping and brushing the skis, and rigorously testing them on the snow. Jessie Diggins highlighted the importance of this work after a second-place finish in a 20-kilometer classic race in Switzerland in January, emphasizing the critical role of ski preparation, particularly for longer distances.
Meet ‘Yolanda’ – The U.S. Ski Team’s Mobile Workshop
The U.S. Cross-country ski team’s 10 ski technicians travel throughout Europe during the World Cup season, utilizing a custom-built truck affectionately known as “Yolanda.” Named as a playful reference to the movie Pulp Fiction, Yolanda serves as a mobile workshop, replacing the team’s previous reliance on cramped and poorly ventilated storage units.
Yolanda is slightly smaller than an American 18-wheeler, but expands significantly when parked, adding approximately 10 feet to each side and featuring a deck with an awning. Inside, it functions as a fully equipped ski shop.
Inside the Workshop
“So, all the magic happens over here,” says Oleg Ragilo, the U.S. Team’s Wax Boss, while standing beside his workbench. The space accommodates eight technicians working simultaneously, with skis secured in clamps on long benches. The truck holds around 600 pairs of skis, including those specifically for each of the team’s 16 athletes, as well as numerous test skis.
Each athlete has approximately 30 pairs of skis, each suited for different race courses and snow conditions. Ragilo maintains a vast collection of ski waxes to address the constantly changing variables of snow temperature, density, age, and weather forecasts.
A $750,000 Investment
The investment in Yolanda, costing around $750,000, was made possible by successful fundraising efforts. According to longtime American coach Matt Whitcomb, raising money for a truck proved easier than securing funds for travel or lodging, demonstrating the value placed on providing the team with the best possible equipment.
Traditions and Celebrations
Yolanda likewise features a unique refreshment station, complete with a coffee pot and a collection of homemade liquors. A tradition within the team is to celebrate podium finishes by toasting with a shot of Aquavit and adding a star sticker to the ceiling, bearing the athlete’s name and the date of their accomplishment.