Operating Rules · Riders Park Donovaly
Operating Rules
These rules govern the use of RIDERS PARK DONOVALY. By purchasing a lift ticket you confirm that you have read and understood the operating rules and undertake to comply with them. Please read them carefully — they form part of the resort's terms and conditions.
I
General Provisions
1.These operating rules govern the use of RIDERS PARK DONOVALY in Donovaly (hereinafter "RIDERS PARK").
2.The operator of RIDERS PARK is GOIMPEX BRATISLAVA a.s., registered office Prešovská 39, 821 02 Bratislava, company ID: 35758015, VAT ID: SK2020253752 (hereinafter "the operator"), web: www.riderspark.sk.
3.RIDERS PARK consists of cycling trails of various types (e.g. flow trail, jump trail, single trail) and various difficulty levels (green trail, blue trail, red trail).
4.Every rider is obliged to familiarise themselves in advance with the difficulty of the individual cycling trails and with the protective equipment they are required to use while riding, and — if needed or uncertain — to use the services of an instructor or riding school for less experienced riders.
II
Legal Framework & Liability
1.The operation of RIDERS PARK is governed by the provisions of these operating rules, the Civil Code, and other generally binding legal regulations. The rider acknowledges that mountain biking is a hazardous activity and, by entering RIDERS PARK, assumes responsibility for their own conduct.
2.The operator is not liable for damage to health or property arising from the nature of the sport, unless caused by a breach of the operator's legal obligations.
3.The rider is liable to the operator and to other cyclists for their conduct and for any conduct in breach of these operating rules, including damage to or destruction of property, damage to RIDERS PARK facilities or equipment, or personal injury.
4.Use of the trails in RIDERS PARK is at each rider's own risk. Even with maximum caution and full compliance with all rules, an accident, injury, or property damage may occur. The operator is not liable for damage arising from the nature of mountain biking, overestimation of one's abilities, or a rider's breach of the rules.
5.Every rider is responsible for realistically assessing their own abilities, selecting a suitable trail, and behaving safely throughout the ride. By entering the trails, the rider confirms that they ride at their own responsibility.
III
Risk Disclosures
1.Riding the diverse cycling trails in the natural environment of RIDERS PARK — located at the boundary of the Low Tatras and Veľká Fatra National Parks — is an exceptionally demanding activity and involves a high risk of falls, collisions, injuries, and other harm. These risks may arise in particular from mountain terrain, changeable weather conditions, artificial and natural obstacles (jumps, ramps, rock sections, roots, berms, terrain rollers, and other trail features), riding errors, insufficient skills, equipment failure, or the negligent behaviour of others, as well as the presence of livestock or wildlife. These factors may lead to serious bodily injury including death, to property damage, and to other harm that may also affect further persons.
2.In the event of an accident, the rider bears the costs of any rescue operation by the Mountain Rescue Service (HZS) where its call-out is necessary. The ticket price does not include any HZS intervention, and the operator therefore recommends taking out an insurance policy covering damage incurred in the mountains and in connection with an HZS intervention. Insurance can be arranged right when purchasing the lift ticket.
3.The trails are divided by difficulty — from easy family flow trails to technically very demanding terrain. Riding requires full physical and mental health, good fitness, sufficient stamina, and adequate riding skills. Every rider must be able to realistically assess the risks and adjust their speed and trail choice to their abilities, the current conditions, and the weather.
4.The use of suitable and properly maintained safety and protective equipment is essential.
5.The rider acknowledges that, even with maximum caution and full compliance with all rules, an accident or harm may occur at any time. The rider accepts the risks associated with riding in RIDERS PARK and, by entering it, does so at their own responsibility.
IV
Rules of Use of RIDERS PARK
Access to the cycling trails
1.RIDERS PARK is open during the opening hours listed at www.riderspark.sk and at the resort's ticket offices. The operator reserves the right to change the opening hours in the event of adverse weather, an unsuitable technical condition of the trail, or when carrying out repairs and maintenance.
2.Entry to RIDERS PARK is permitted only with a valid lift ticket. By purchasing a ticket, the rider confirms that they have been made aware of these operating rules, understand them, and agree to them. If the rider does not agree, they may not use the cycling trails. Tickets are non-transferable, and at the request of an authorised person the rider is obliged to present the ticket for inspection; upon refusal they may be excluded without any right to a refund.
3.Every rider is obliged to comply with the regulations, prohibitions, and instructions shown on the signs within the premises, as well as the verbal instructions of the operator's authorised representative.
Familiarising yourself with the trail
4.Before using the trails, the rider is obliged to thoroughly inspect the trail and its obstacles visually, familiarise themselves with its profile, and assess their ability to handle the ride. They must also make sure that their riding will not endanger themselves or any other person.
5.
If the rider is a minor, their legal guardian is obliged to assess with particular care the suitability of the trail with regard to the minor's age, competence, and experience, and to ensure that the minor understands the riding rules, the difficulty markings, and the risks of the obstacles. The legal guardian confirms that they:
- have given the minor adequate instruction on safe behaviour on the trails,
- supervise the minor during the ride to the extent necessary for their safety,
- are responsible for the choice of trail and the decision on its use by the minor,
- bear full responsibility for any damage caused by the minor in accordance with the law.
6.The cycling trails are one-way — the rider moves in the start → finish direction and must follow the direction of travel indicated by the trail markings.
Safety and gear
7.Every rider is obliged to use suitable protective gear and a bicycle in good technical condition, appropriate for the given type of terrain. Before riding, they must check the brakes, tyres, suspension, and overall condition of the bicycle. The mandatory and recommended gear differs for individual trails:
| Cycling trail | Mandatory gear | Recommended gear |
|---|---|---|
| JOYLINE trail no. 1 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear, knee and elbow pads, goggles | long sleeves for kids and beginners |
| PINBALL trail no. 2 | Mandatory full-face helmet, gloves, goggles, knee and elbow pads | back and chest protector |
| STONER trail no. 4 | Mandatory full-face helmet, gloves, goggles, knee and elbow pads | back and chest protector |
| KAMCORE trail no. 8 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, knee pads, sturdy MTB footwear | elbow pads, goggles, full-face helmet for the less experienced |
| OFFROADER trail no. 11 | Mandatory full-face helmet, gloves, goggles, knee and elbow pads | back and chest protector |
| ROLLER trail no. 16 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, knee pads, sturdy MTB footwear | elbow pads, goggles, full-face helmet for the less experienced |
| YARD Line trail no. 17 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear, knee and elbow pads, goggles | long sleeves for kids and beginners |
| HUSKY kids' trail no. 18 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear, knee and elbow pads | — |
| YIPPY kids' trail no. 19 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear, knee and elbow pads | — |
| DRAGON kids' trail no. 20 | Mandatory helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear, knee and elbow pads | — |
Types of cycling trails
8.The trails are clearly marked by difficulty. The rider is obliged to choose a trail appropriate to their abilities (order from easiest to most demanding: beginner – intermediate – advanced).
9.Beginners are advised to increase difficulty gradually (e.g. pump track → easy trails → advanced trails). The operator recommends using the services of an instructor or riding school.
10.On narrow, natural trails the rider must take account of roots, rocks, branches, wet surfaces, and other natural obstacles, and devote a greater degree of concentration and control over the bicycle to these sections.
Riding in control
11.The rider is obliged always to ride only at a speed they have under control and at which they can safely stop at any time. Both speed and riding style must be adapted to one's own abilities, the condition of the trail, the weather, and the movement of other riders.
Moving on the trails
12.Only marked and open trails may be used. Riding on closed sections, off the marked lines, cutting corners, or creating new lines is strictly prohibited — it damages the surface and increases erosion and the risk of injury. If a rider needs to stop, they must leave the main line of the trail; remaining at blind spots or behind a bend is prohibited.
Consideration for others
13.Every rider is obliged to behave so as not to endanger other visitors, staff, forestry work, trail maintenance, or nature. They must pay attention to other cyclists, pedestrians, spectators, livestock, and wildlife. Overtaking is permitted only with sufficient distance and in a manner that leaves the overtaken cyclist room to move safely.
Children and minor riders
14.A minor rider may use the trails only with the consent of their legal guardian. Children under 10 may ride only accompanied by a responsible adult, unless the operator specifies otherwise. The choice of trail must always match the child's age, experience, and abilities.
Alcohol, drugs, and prohibited activity
15.
On the cycling trails it is prohibited to:
- smoke, consume alcohol or narcotic substances, or use the trail after consuming them,
- allow children onto the trails without the supervision of a responsible person,
- push a bicycle or ride against the direction of travel,
- bring and use dangerous objects (e.g. knives, sticks), including items made of fragile, sharp, or hard materials (glass, metal, cans),
- move around with dogs, horses, or other animals,
- travel on the trails on foot, with a pram, with a child seat or bike trailer, on a scooter, motorbike, or by any means other than bicycles,
- light fires,
- drop litter,
- damage, dismantle, or modify equipment or signage (inscriptions, graffiti, stickers), or destroy safety nets, mats, and the like,
- use the trails contrary to their intended purpose, in particular in the opposite direction of travel,
- stop at places not designated for stopping,
- leave a bicycle on the trail, even in the event of a breakdown or accident,
- place, distribute, or leave advertising materials without the operator's consent,
- carry out any commercial or professional activity (including training and instruction) by third parties without the operator's prior written consent.
Nature protection
16.RIDERS PARK is located in a sensitive mountain environment, so respect for nature is a fundamental part of riding. The rider is obliged to ride only on the marked trails, not to leave waste behind, and not to enter prohibited or closed zones, in order to minimise the impact on the forest, soil, water, and ecosystem, and to take into account the possible presence of wildlife.
Emergencies and assistance
17.In the event of an accident, every rider is obliged to provide assistance to the best of their ability and to call the emergency services. We recommend carrying a mobile phone and being able to determine your location as precisely as possible using the trail markings. The costs of a Mountain Rescue Service intervention are borne by the party involved in the accident.
In an emergency call 112
Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300. Report your exact location using the trail number. HZS intervention is not included in the ticket price — we recommend insurance.
Signage, staff instructions, and weather
18.All riders are obliged to respect the trail markings, information boards, closures, and the instructions of RIDERS PARK staff and lift operators. Particular attention must be paid to junctions, trail connections, and blind spots. Failure to follow instructions may result in a ban from the trails or confiscation of the ticket.
19.Conditions in the mountains change quickly. The rider is obliged to monitor the weather and the condition of the trail and to be aware of the risks associated with storms, wet surfaces, wind, reduced visibility, and demanding terrain.
Photography and filming
20.Photography and filming on the trails is permitted only if it does not endanger the safety of riders and is in accordance with the operator's instructions. Any stopping to take a photo or video must take place off the main line of the trail. Commercial or organised filming requires the operator's consent.
Tickets and entry
21.Tickets are personal and non-transferable. Any misuse of a ticket or unauthorised use of services may lead to its immediate confiscation without any right to compensation. Failure to comply with the rules of conduct may result in refusal of entry or of bicycle transport on the lift.
V
Trail Inspection and Maintenance
22.The operator inspects the cycling trails daily, before they open. If a defect is found, the trail is closed immediately; the removal of the defect must be documented, and only then may the trail be reopened.
23.The rider is obliged to report to the operator any defects found on the trail.
VI
Rider Consent
Confirmation upon ticket purchase
By purchasing a lift ticket, I confirm that I have read the operating rules for RIDERS PARK DONOVALY, understand them, and undertake to comply with them.