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Privacy Policy – HikeBuddy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 01.10.2025

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when using the HikeBuddy.eu platform.

1. Data Controller

The data controller is a private individual – owner of HikeBuddy.eu.
Contact: hi@hikebuddy.eu

2. Data We Collect

  • Registration info: username, email, password, first name, last name, profile bio
  • IP address and technical info (browser, device)
  • Cookies (for core functionality and analytics)
  • Comment data (if enabled)

3. How We Use Your Data

  • Creating and managing user accounts
  • Enabling hike posting and user connections
  • Security and abuse prevention
  • Technical functionality
  • Analytics via Google Analytics 4 (only with your consent)
  • Tag management and deployment via Google Tag Manager

4. User Accounts and Listings

Users can create hike listings with public information such as title, description, location and dates. These may include a contact option for other users to reach out.

Disclaimer: HikeBuddy does not verify the accuracy of user data or the identity of users. All content is user-generated, and responsibility remains solely with the user who provided it. You must assess the reliability and safety of any interactions yourself.

5. Comments (if enabled)

If you leave a comment, we collect the data from the form, your IP address and browser user agent to detect spam.

If you use Gravatar, your profile picture may be shown publicly with your comment. Gravatar Privacy Policy

6. Media

If you upload images, avoid including embedded location data (EXIF GPS), as others can extract this information.

7. Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Log in users (lasts 2–14 days)
  • Store display preferences
  • Save commenter info (if enabled)
  • Run analytics and marketing tracking (only with consent)

You can manage cookies via your browser or our consent banner.

8. Data Retention

  • Profiles: stored while your account is active
  • Comments: stored indefinitely unless removed
  • Analytics: stored based on cookie lifespan or legal requirements (max. 14 months)

9. Your Rights

  • View, correct or delete your data
  • Export your personal data
  • Request deletion of your account
  • File a complaint with your national authority

10. Data Sharing

We don’t sell your data. We only share it with:

  • Analytics providers (Google Analytics, via Google Tag Manager)
  • Hosting/technical partners (with data protection agreements)

Data may be transferred to Google LLC in the United States. In such cases, standard contractual clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission are applied to ensure adequate protection.

11. Where Your Data Is Sent

Comment and other data may be processed through anti-spam systems, which may operate outside the EU.

12. User Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your HikeBuddy account and all associated personal data at any time by sending an email to hi@hikebuddy.eu from the email address linked to your account. Please include your username in the request.

We will process your request within 14 days. Certain information may be retained if required by law or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

13. Changes to this Policy

We may update this policy. The last update date is always shown at the top of this page.

14. Google Analytics & Tag Manager

We use Google Analytics 4 and Google Tag Manager, services provided by Google Ireland Ltd. (Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland). These tools help us understand how visitors use our website and allow us to manage tags and scripts.

Data collected by Google Analytics may include anonymized IP addresses, device information, browser type, and on-site activities. The data is processed only with your explicit consent via our cookie banner.

Enhanced Measurement: In addition to standard page views, we use Google Analytics Enhanced Measurement to automatically track certain interactions such as:

  • Scroll events (when you scroll through a page)
  • Outbound link clicks (when you click external links)
  • Video engagement (play, pause, watch progress on embedded videos)
  • File downloads
  • Form interactions

Google may transfer the data to servers in the United States. To protect your information, we rely on standard contractual clauses (SCCs). IP anonymization is enabled by default in GA4.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the browser add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

HikeBuddy Hike Difficulty System

The Hike Difficulty System on HikeBuddy helps hikers easily understand the challenge level of every trail before setting out on their adventure. Based on the official SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) hiking scale, our color-coded guide provides a clear and consistent reference across Europe.

Please note: All trail classifications on HikeBuddy are added by individual users and are not verified by the platform.
We recommend checking official trail maps, signs, and local conditions before your hike.

Color-Based Trail Classification (Simplified)

Color Trail Name (EN) User Level SAC Equivalent
🔵 Blue Easy hike Beginners, families T1
🔴 Red Moderate hike Regular hikers T2–T3
⚫ Black Difficult hike Experienced hikers, mountaineers T4–T5
🏔️ Alpine Alpine route Expert alpinists, glacier travel, rope needed T6

Understanding Hiking Trail Difficulties: The SAC Scale

The SAC Hiking Scale is the standard in all German-speaking countries denoting the difficulty of all paths, hiking ways, and trails. Developed by the Swiss Alpine Club, it takes surface, gradients, exposure, experience and gear required, and safety precautions into account.

Grade Trail Type Description
T1Hiking TrailsWell-cleared trails with no major challenges. Compact surface, gentle gradients, no risk of falling.
T2Mountaineering TrailsWell-marked trails with occasional steep sections. Slight risk of falling.
T3Demanding Mountaineering TrailsTrails may be steep and exposed. Chains or ropes are often provided. Higher risk of falling.
T4Alpine Hiking TrailsTrails may be unmarked. Includes gravel, glaciers, or steep terrain. Constant exposure risk.
T5Demanding Alpine Hiking TrailsNo clear path. Includes rocky slopes, glaciers, and technically challenging terrain. Gear like ropes/ice axe may be needed.
T6Advanced Alpine Hiking TrailsUnmarked and includes climbing (UIAA grade II). Very steep, icy, or glacial. High risk. Advanced alpine gear required.

Difficulty Levels of Mountain Trails

The SAC Hiking Scale evaluates the nature of the terrain, the exposure of the trail, and the technical equipment and experience required. It is the standard across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

  • T1: Easy valley trail. Flat terrain, no falling risk. Normal shoes sufficient.
  • T2: Slightly steeper mountain trail. Some surefootedness required. Trekking shoes recommended.
  • T3: Steeper, exposed paths. Ropes or chains may be present. Good orientation and hiking experience needed.
  • T4: Alpine trails with exposure and technical demands. May include snowfields and unmarked paths.
  • T5: Demanding alpine terrain, glaciers, scree, rope/axe may be required.
  • T6: Technical alpine climbs, glacier crossings, rope use. High-risk, expert-only.

Source: komoot.com