Riders Park Donovaly
Safety
in the bike park
First time in the bike park? This is everything you need to know — gear, trail difficulty and the rules that let you enjoy the ride injury-free.
The bike park isn’t scary
Riding in the park is huge fun — and once you know the basics, it’s surprisingly safe too.
The trails are professionally built and graded by difficulty, so everyone finds their own. Just ride sensibly, wear a proper helmet and respect a few simple rules. On this page we’ll explain everything step by step — even if you’ve never sat on a bike off-road before.
You ride at your own risk
Riding off-road in a mountain environment is demanding and carries a risk of falls and injury. The risk comes from the terrain, weather, obstacles, your own mistakes or your skill level. Even with the utmost care an accident can happen — so ride with judgement, match your speed to your ability and use quality gear. We recommend taking out accident insurance. By entering the trails you accept these risks and ride at your own responsibility.
What to wear
A helmet is always mandatory. Other pads are warmly recommended — the tougher the trail, the more protection.
Helmet Required
Mandatory on the whole trail — no exceptions. For tougher trails we recommend a full-face.
Working bike Required
A mountain bike in good condition — working brakes, tightened wheels. For gravity trails an enduro/freeride/DH bike.
Gloves Recommended
Protect your palms in a fall and improve grip. Highly recommended for everyone.
Knee and elbow pads Recommended
The most common impact points. Recommended especially for beginners and jumps.
Back / chest protector Recommended
On tougher trails and jumps it greatly reduces the risk of serious injury.
Goggles Recommended
Protect your eyes from dust, gravel and wind. Almost a must with a full-face helmet.
How to read trail colours
Every trail has a colour by difficulty — just like ski slopes. Always start easier and progress step by step.
Green
Wide, smooth trails with a gentle gradient. Ideal for first rides and kids. No jumps.
Blue
Flowing trails with berms and small, rollable jumps. For more confident riders.
Red
Steeper, more technical sections, bigger jumps and roots. Requires experience and control.
Black
Expert level — big jumps, drops and demanding terrain. For advanced riders only.
Tip: ride a new trail slowly first and inspect the jumps before you hit them.
11 rules of safe riding
A few simple principles so everyone enjoys the ride — you and everyone around you.
Stay in control of your bike
Ride at a speed that lets you stop at any moment. Anticipate obstacles, including around blind corners and over crests.
Ride only marked trails
Use open, signed trails only. Shortcuts and closed trails are off-limits — they protect you and the landscape.
Scout the trail first
Before your first run, ride the trail slowly and see what’s ahead. Inspect jumps and drops first — don’t launch into the unknown.
Pick a trail for your level
Start on greens and blues. Move up only once you ride the easier trail confidently and with a margin.
Keep your distance and yield
The slower rider has priority. Overtake only with enough space and without endangering the rider ahead.
Don’t stop in dangerous spots
Never stop in narrow sections, behind a jump or in blind spots. After a fall, clear the trail as fast as you can.
Think of others
Watch out for other riders, hikers and animals. Be considerate — we’re here for the joy of riding, not to race.
Don’t ride under the influence
Alcohol and other substances don’t mix with the bike park. Ride with a clear head and well-rested.
Respect signs and staff
Follow the signage and the crew’s instructions. A closed trail means closed — there’s always a reason.
Help when something happens
In an accident, everyone must help. Keep a phone on you and call emergency services when needed.
One bike, one rider
Only one person may ride a bike at a time. Carrying a child on a “shotgun” front seat or a passenger on the trails is not allowed — the risk of a fall and serious injury is too high.
Do and don’t
Do
- Check your brakes and wheel bolts before riding.
- Check the current trail status and the weather.
- Warm up and start on an easier trail.
- Keep enough distance from the rider ahead.
- After a fall, clear the trail quickly and signal others.
- Be mindful of pedestrians, kids and animals in the area.
Don’t
- Don’t ride without a helmet — not even “just a bit”.
- Don’t overestimate yourself: don’t hit jumps you don’t know.
- Don’t stop behind a jump or in a blind corner.
- Don’t ride against the direction or walk up the trail.
- Don’t ride closed or unmarked trails.
- Don’t bring a dog on the trail or leave litter behind.
First metres in safety
- Children under 10 may ride the trail only accompanied by an adult.
- Younger riders need the consent of a parent or responsible person.
- Start at the Skill Centre and on green trails — safely and step by step.
- A helmet is mandatory even for the little ones; we warmly recommend pads.
- Our bike school teaches kids the basics of technique and safety.
When something happens
The single European emergency number — it always works and is free.
Specialised help in mountain terrain. Report the exact location.
The crew at the lift will advise you and call for help. Follow their instructions.
Still something unclear?
I’m a complete beginner. Can I come? +
Absolutely! Start on green trails and at the Skill Centre, where you can pick up the basics at your own pace. If you like, book a lesson at the bike school — we’ll teach you the right position, braking and cornering.
Do I need my own bike and gear? +
No. Right in the park we have a rental of ROSE bikes as well as helmets and pads. Just show up — we’ll prepare and tune the rest for you.
Is a helmet really mandatory? +
Yes, a helmet is mandatory on the whole trail without exception. We won’t let you on the trail without one — it’s the basis of safety. Other pads are warmly recommended.
How do I tell which trail is for me? +
By colour: green is the easiest, then blue, red, and black is the hardest. Always start on an easier one and move up only once you ride it confidently. You’ll find the marking at the start of every trail.
What should I do if I fall or see an accident? +
After a fall, clear the trail as fast as possible so no one crashes into you. In an accident you’re obliged to help — call the emergency line 112 or mountain rescue 18 300 and report where you are (the trail number).
Can children ride too? +
Yes. Children under 10 only accompanied by an adult. For the little ones we have the Skill Centre and kids’ trails — the perfect place to learn to ride playfully and safely.
Then come ride
Rent a bike and gear right in the park and pick a trail for your level. See you on the trail!