Marcel Barel: A Life of Adventure, Passion, and Community
Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Marcel Barel grew up surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, where his love for skiing, mountaineering, and adventure took root. Schooled near St. Moritz, he spent his youth exploring the mountains, climbing and skiing nearly every peak in Switzerland, France, and Italy.
His thirst for adventure extended far beyond the Alps. In the 1950s, Marcel embarked on extraordinary journeys—traveling on foot from Switzerland to Turkey and later by bicycle from Switzerland to Morocco. His spirit of exploration led him across continents, and in the early 1960s, he arrived in Quebec, Canada by boat. From there, he navigated Canada and the Pacific Northwest, eventually finding himself in Yosemite, where his passion for climbing flourished.
While in Yosemite, he met and married the mother of his two daughters, from whom he developed a lifelong appreciation for politics and history. During this time, he had the unique opportunity to work alongside Ansel Adams as a photographic assistant, refining his artistic eye and developing a deep love for photography as an art form.
After becoming a single father, Marcel set out to build a life that embraced both his love of the outdoors and his need to provide for his family. It was during this search that he discovered Lee Canyon, where he found work as a ski instructor. Enchanted by the Spring Mountains, he moved to Kyle Canyon before settling in Lee Canyon in the early 1980s.
Marcel’s lifelong dedication to skiing culminated in the founding of Marcel’s Ski School, first as an instructor and later as the owner of the Lee Canyon Ski Area concession. Over the next five decades, he inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of Las Vegas residents and visitors to make skiing a lifelong passion. More than a teacher, he was a mentor, helping skiers of all ages embrace the beauty, challenge, and discipline of the sport.
Beyond skiing, Marcel’s love for the mountains and the outdoors was infectious. His teaching went beyond technique—he instilled in his students an appreciation for the fragile flora and fauna of the desert and the backcountry. Known for his remarkable physical conditioning, he inspired those around him to push their limits, whether through hiking, cycling, or backcountry skiing. His adventures never ceased—on his 70th birthday, he summited Piz Bernina, and at 75, he conquered Mt. Rainier.
Despite his travels, Marcel’s heart has always remained in Lee Canyon, where he created a home known far and wide for its warm hospitality. His legendary homemade fondue, paired with lively conversation and a toast to the beauty of nature, made his cabin a cherished gathering place for friends from around the world.
A man of intellect and culture, Marcel’s home is filled with books in multiple languages, spanning novels, photography, music, and history. A natural storyteller, he adds wit and wisdom to every discussion, sharing insights gained from a lifetime of adventure and exploration.
Throughout his life, Marcel has embodied the true spirit of a gentleman—always offering a helping hand to his neighbors and friends, embracing the simplicity of mountain living, and finding joy in every season. His presence has enriched the Lee Canyon, Kyle Canyon, and Las Vegas communities in ways that extend far beyond skiing.
To know Marcel Barel is to know adventure, passion, and an unwavering love for the mountains. Those who have shared in his journey are forever blessed by his friendship, his generosity, and his contagious enthusiasm for life.
