Terms & Conditions – HikeBuddy

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 01.10.2025

By using the HikeBuddy.eu platform, you agree to the following terms.

1. Service Description

HikeBuddy is an online platform that connects hikers. Registered users can create profiles, post hiking events (“listings”), connect with other users, and communicate via contact forms.

2. User Responsibility

  • Each user is solely responsible for the accuracy and reliability of the data they enter.
  • All data and content (profiles, event listings, comments) are user-generated and are not 100% verified by HikeBuddy.
  • User identities are not verified – connecting with others is at your own risk.
  • HikeBuddy is not liable for any harm, injury, or consequences resulting from connecting or interacting with other users.

3. Posts and Approval

  • Each new post (event, trail description or other content) is initially set to pending and reviewed by the site administrator before publication.
  • The review is intended to ensure compliance with community rules and prevent prohibited content.
  • The review does not guarantee the complete accuracy, safety, or truthfulness of the content – responsibility remains solely with the user who created it.

4. User Content

  • Content (such as trail descriptions, profiles, photos) is user-generated.
  • HikeBuddy does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or legality of user content.
  • The administrator reserves the right to remove content that is offensive, false, inappropriate or violates the law.

5. Safety

While we strive to maintain a safe environment, we cannot guarantee 100% safety. Users should exercise caution and act responsibly when connecting or arranging hikes.

Recommendation: Meet and communicate with the hike organizer in a public place beforehand to confirm details, conditions, and suitability for your skill level.

6. Trail Difficulty Ratings

HikeBuddy uses the SAC scale (T1–T6) and a simplified color-coded system similar to DAV/Komoot:

Color Name SAC Equivalent Intended For
🔵 BlueEasy hikeT1Beginners, families
🔴 RedModerate hikeT2–T3Regular hikers
⚫ BlackDifficult hikeT4–T5Experienced hikers, mountaineers
🏔️ AlpineAlpine routeT6Expert alpinists (glacier/rope)

Reference: Komoot Hiking Scale

When posting a hike, you must select the correct difficulty level according to this system. Misrepresentation of trail difficulty is prohibited.

Failure to provide accurate difficulty ratings may result in content removal or account suspension.

Difficulty ratings are indicative only and do not replace personal judgment. Conditions can change due to weather, terrain, or other factors.

7. Changes to Terms

HikeBuddy reserves the right to change these terms at any time. The latest version will always be published on this page.

8. Liability Disclaimer

Participation in hikes arranged through HikeBuddy is at your own risk. HikeBuddy is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages resulting from such activities. It is the responsibility of each participant to assess their own abilities, physical condition, and the risks involved before taking part in any hike.

9. Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Slovenia, and any disputes shall be resolved in the competent courts of Slovenia.

10. Cookies & Analytics

By using this website, you acknowledge that we use cookies and similar technologies to ensure proper functionality and improve your experience. With your consent, we also use Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymized statistics about website usage.

You can manage or withdraw your consent to cookies at any time through our cookie banner or your browser settings. For details on how we handle your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

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