Viking Heliskiing Guides

We are the Vikings – Born to explore

Our guides are more than just experts in their field; they are passionate adventurers who share a profound knowledge and connection with the terrain. Their local knowledge not only ensures that every run is safe but also enables them to choose the optimal terrain for the group. Our emphasis on small groups allows us to provide you with the utmost quality, safety, and enjoyment.

Our guides hold extensive experience in their field along with internationally recognized certifications, including UIAGM/IFMGA, CSGA, ACMG, and NAMSG qualifications. Additionally, before each season, we conduct a comprehensive in-house staff training program.

UIAGM/IFMGA: The International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations/ Union Internationale des Association de Guides de Montagnes – CSGA: Canadian Ski Guide Association – ACMG: Association of Canadian Mountain Guides – NAMSG: American Mechanized Ski Guide – ENSA: Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme

Ski Guides

Jóhann H. Hafstein

OWNER, FOUNDER, LEAD GUIDE, NAMSG

Jóhann is one of the co-founders of Viking Heliskiing and Höfði, and serves as one of our Lead Guides during the season. Although he has skied across the globe, the Gold Coast and Troll Peninsula — where he has developed exceptional local expertise — remains his favorite terrain.

A former ski racer with the Icelandic national team and a member of the Icelandic Alpine technical team, Jóhann competed at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games and participated in multiple World Cup events representing Iceland.

Holding a law degree, Jóhann practiced as a lawyer until 2013, when he shifted his focus to founding Viking Heliskiing. He currently resides in southern Iceland with his family and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.

Björgvin Björgvinsson

OWNER, FOUNDER, LEAD GUIDE, NAMSG

Björgvin is one of the co-founders of Viking Heliskiing and Höfði, and serves as one of our Lead Guides during the season.

Originally from Dalvík, a small town in northern Iceland, Björgvin lives there with his wife and three sons—all of whom are accomplished skiers. Having grown up with the Troll Peninsula as his backyard and skiing its terrain throughout his life, Björgvin possesses an unparalleled knowledge of the region.

A former member of the Icelandic Alpine technical team, Björgvin represented Iceland at three Olympic Games and six World Championships. He won the Junior World Championship in Chamonix in 1998, was a three-time Oceania Champion, competed in numerous World Cup races, and claimed the Icelandic Championship title over 30 times.

Known for his uplifting spirit and ability to forge genuine connections with guests, Björgvin brings warmth and enthusiasm to every adventure.

Steve

HEAD LEAD GUIDE, IFMGA

Steve grew up exploring the Green Mountains of Vermont before heading west for college, where he discovered bigger peaks, deeper snow, and greater adventures. His passion for skiing evolved into pursuing AMGA training and certifications across the Rock, Alpine, and Ski disciplines. In 2008, Steve became the 51st American to earn IFMGA Mountain Guide status—the highest and most respected international certification for mountain guides worldwide. In 2012, he joined the AMGA National Instructor Team, helping train and certify the next generation of American mountain guides.

Steve’s extensive resume includes 14 years with the Crested Butte Professional Ski Patrol, 10 years forecasting for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (where he currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors), and leadership roles as Lead Guide for Viking Heliskiing and Hokkaido Backcountry Club. He has also served as Director of Global Guide Operations at Irwin Guides/Eleven Experience and has over a decade of involvement with the AMGA.

We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Steve’s expertise and qualifications as a vital member of our team.

Stefán “Stebbi”

SENIOR LEAD GUIDE, CSGA / ACMG / CAA

Stefan, affectionately known as Stebbi, is a highly experienced and professional ski guide with over 35 years in the ski industry. Beginning his career as a ski instructor, he later worked as a professional ski patroller before transitioning to backcountry ski guiding.

Over the past 25 years, Stefan has guided numerous helicopter and snowcat skiing operations across British Columbia, Canada, and has been an integral part of Viking Heliskiing since 2015. A professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association since 2004, he has also served as an instructor and examiner for the Canadian Ski Guide Association since 2007. Stefan resides in the Selkirk Mountain Range of British Columbia and spends his off-season working as a builder and carpenter.

As one of Viking Heliskiing’s original guides, Stebbi is a cherished member of our team. His blend of expertise and humor makes him an invaluable asset to our crew.

Heiko

LEAD GUIDE – NAMSG

Heiko resides in the countryside near Munich, Germany, close to the renowned Olympic ski area of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He is the founder and director of Montevia, a ski and snowboard school that also offers a variety of outdoor activities and corporate team-building programs during the summer months.

Heiko holds the highest international certification as a ski instructor and is an American Mechanized Ski Guide (Level II). As a seasoned trainer and adventure pedagogue, he combines technical expertise with empathy, ensuring that guests improve their skills while prioritizing safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

Heiko has served as a Lead Guide for heliskiing expeditions in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kamchatka, and Georgia. His passion for off-piste skiing shines through in his commitment to sharing the joy of skiing with others.

Recognized by his peers, Heiko was honored as “Viking of the Year” for two consecutive years—an accolade that reflects his exceptional value to our team.

Anjan Truffer

LEAD GUIDE, IFMGA

Anjan was born and raised in Zermatt, Switzerland, where he currently lives with his family and works year-round as a professional mountain guide. Since 2014, he has also been responsible for mountain rescue operations at Air Zermatt.

By the age of 20, Anjan had already earned full certification as a UIAGM mountain guide and achieved Level 4 ski instructor status. He began exploring the world of heliskiing in 1996. With over 25 years of experience in skiing and climbing expeditions, Anjan has opened countless first descents worldwide. His passion for finding the best snow and the most exciting lines for his clients remains as strong as ever.

In the late 1990s, he became the lead guide at the renowned CMH Valemount lodge in British Columbia, a role he still cherishes, enjoying every turn in the “white magic.”

Björn

GUIDE, CSGA 1

Björn is a true native of the Troll Peninsula, having grown up skiing its terrain from an early age. He is a certified ski guide with the Canadian Ski Guide Association (Level 1).

A valued member of our team since day one, Björn possesses an intimate knowledge of the area, boasting numerous first descents and an extensive ski touring background. He continuously expands our map with new runs and will gladly guide you through our backyard with a warm smile. During the off-season, Björn dedicates his time to preparing for the opening of Höfði.

In addition to his guiding expertise, Björn holds a B.S. degree in fishing science and is eager to share his insights into Iceland’s fishing industry. In his free time, he enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking and fishing.

Anna

GUIDE, CSGA 3, CAA 2

Anna is an international ski guide from Canada who joined Viking Heliskiing a few years ago. She is dedicated to helping our guests discover epic lines while fostering a fun and supportive atmosphere. Anna begins her heliskiing season in Canada and joins us each spring.

She is a professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and has completed the Level 3 program with the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA). When she’s not guiding in the mountains, Anna enjoys surfing and motorbike riding.

Allu

GUIDE, CSGA 2

Allu is a passionate snow enthusiast from Finland who grew up snowboarding. By age 13, he was competing internationally in freestyle snowboarding and later participated in the Freeride World Qualifier tour while training to become a guide. He is a certified Nordic Mountain Leader and Wilderness Guide, having completed Svelav Pro 2, the Canadian Ski Guides Association Level 2 certification (CSGA), and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training. Allu also operated a freestyle-based snowboard school and currently works as a ski guide in Japan with the Hokkaido Backcountry Club before starting his season in Iceland.

Always in pursuit of new adventures and the perfect powder, Allu lives for every turn on his board and has an uncanny ability to find the best snow. A dedicated and energetic guide, he thrives on sharing the joy of great runs and ensuring every day in the mountains is exciting and unforgettable.

Marius

GUIDES, CSGA 2, CSIA 4

Marius hails from Transylvania but has called Whistler, Canada, home for over two decades. Drawn to the mountains from a young age, he finds in them lessons of humility and respect, as well as beauty, serenity, and happiness. Marius has completed Level 2 certification with the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA) and Level 4 with the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA). He appreciates Iceland for its incredible terrain, breathtaking views, and welcoming local community.

Jurg

GUIDE, IFMGA

Originally from Switzerland, Jürg joins us each season as a skilled guide. An IFMGA-certified guide since 2007, he specializes in ski touring and heliskiing. During the winter months, you’ll find him guiding either in the western Swiss Alps or in Iceland.
In the summer, Jürg works as a mountain guide. Beyond skiing, he enjoys climbing and spending his free time canyoneering.

Kristján

GUIDE

Kristján is one of our local guides, bringing extensive field experience and deep knowledge of Iceland’s diverse terrain. His varied and exciting career includes full-time guiding on multi-day hikes in the highlands, glacier guiding in the national park, river guiding the “Beast of the East,” and ski touring from a sailboat in the Westfjords.

After traveling the world with a degree in business and tourism, Kristján chose to settle in the small fishing village of Stykkishólmur, where he founded Kontiki Kayaking. Kontiki’s mission is to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations while delivering unique and authentic experiences.

Speak to our team

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Call us or drop us an email to build the customized heliski experience of your dreams.