THE HANDLE-BAR TEAM
Our mission is to make you feel at home in the Living Room and safe on our Adventures.
Moritz A. Kniebel
Believer in Making Dreams Come True/ Owner / Guide
Moritz has always been the kid that wanted to be outdoors and play in the mountains with endless energy. Born in Germany, he spent his childhood vacations in the Alps either skiing or hiking, playing in creeks, or building. At age 11, he and his family moved to Calgary, Canada, and started exploring the Rockies.
The Handle-Bar is his answer to making his passion for the outdoors his job. A playful approach to the backcountry and an attitude of taking everybody along is key to the Handle-Bar adventures.
He received most of his guiding certificates and licenses through the Mountain Adventure Skills Training program in Fernie, BC. As well as professional experience in the Canadian Rockies. He went back to Germany and Austria to get a degree in International Business Management and Hotel Management, learned some decent baking, cooking, and business skills. He is now ready to take you on tours and feed you some good foods from the Alps.
Robert Smith
International Experience, Hospitality, Food and Beverage Adventurer
Of all of the Handle-Bar team Robert by far has ventured the world in the hospitality industry the most. You are in great hands with him enjoying his menus, humor and adventure stories.
You most likely have stayed in Calgary or elsewhere in the world in a hotel that he had in one way or another his hands on. And now? We are so lucky that he joined our team and dream to build an inclusive Adventure Business and Restaurant inspired by the small hotel culture of the European Alpes, run by families - build for families.
Regularly you can meet Robert on horse in the mountains around us, taking long rides. He will be a critical link in your culinary experience as well as the set up of camps, which we pack in on horse.
Come into the Handle-Bar Living Room and have a chat!
LEON K. KNIEBEL
Owner / Guide
Leon shares Moritz’s passion for the outdoors. He has spent most of his teenage and early twenties in the mountains in Europe, Canada, and the US, on long hikes, back country ski and camping trips. As an avid skier and adventurer, Leon finished the Mountain Adventure Skills Training at the College of the Rockies, in Fernie, BC, receiving experiences, licenses and certifications for many outdoor adventure activities in a professional capacity. He saw a lot as a member of the Ski Patrol ad Search and Rescue teams in Fernie, BC. You are in safe hands with him!
Currently, he studies law in Germany, supports the Handle-Bar from behind the scenes, and guides trips when he comes home during the summer. The Handle-Bar is the answer to outdoor adventure that is not the once-in-a-lifetime experience (and expense) but can be accessible to everybody as a lifestyle to relax and have fun.
Tomte Tumetott
Handle-Bar Security Guard / Customer Service
Tomte is the heart of the Handle-Bar and holds down the fort. He is our safety guard and more importantly, our friend.
His toothy smile and wagging tail are the first welcome from the Handle-Bar. Tomte like treats, belly rubs, and of course adventures!
You can find him making friends in the living room or out on the trails.
Juliane & Martin Kniebel
Back Office and Dream Supporters
We believe in building a community and sharing adventures in nature. A busy and stressful life let’s us forget to enjoy the simple things, makes us avoid physical and mental challenges that help us relax when embraced.
The Handle-Bar is an experiment to combine adventure tourism, with simple but good food enjoyed in a community.
We welcome you, your families and friends to come out and share the simple and accessible pleasures of life with us.