TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR HIKING AND TREKKING ACTIVITIES – TORINO GATHERING

Acceptance of Terms
By registering and participating in a mountain hike organized by Torino Gathering, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these specific Terms and Conditions for outdoor activities. These are supplementary to the General Terms of the Community and do not replace them.
Any participant who refuses to accept these Terms and Conditions will be immediately removed from the community and will no longer be allowed to participate in future activities.
These Terms and Conditions are drafted in English. By accepting them, the participant declares to have read and understood the content. Any misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or translation error is the sole responsibility of the participant, who accepts the terms as they are written in English.

Minimum Language Requirement
By participating in a Torino Gathering event, you confirm that you possess a basic understanding of English and are able to comprehend the terms and conditions of this agreement, the group’s rules, and any instructions provided before or during the activity.
If there is anything you do not understand, it is your responsibility to request clarification in writing before the activity begins. Failure to do so implies full understanding and acceptance.

Health and Physical Condition
By registering for a hike, each participant declares to have the physical condition and fitness level required to complete the activity without difficulty, according to the difficulty level indicated in the event description.
Participants must not have serious medical conditions that could pose a risk to their safety or the safety of the group, such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, severe asthma, or other relevant health problems.
It is the participant’s responsibility to evaluate their fitness and health before registering.

Risk Warning – Mountain Environment
Participation in mountain activities involves real risks that cannot be entirely eliminated, even under the supervision of experienced individuals. By accepting these terms, the participant acknowledges being fully informed and aware of the inherent dangers of such natural environments, which may include, but are not limited to:

Slips or falls on uneven, rocky, wet, or slippery terrain
Falling rocks or debris from higher areas
Sudden weather changes (thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow, fog, hail)
Exposure to extreme cold, heat, sunstroke, or hypothermia
Avalanche or landslide risks in snowy or unstable zones
Injuries from physical exertion, fatigue, cramping, or dehydration
Dislocations or fractures due to falls or impacts
Serious accidents that could result in death
Bites or attacks by wild animals (e.g., snakes, wild boars, insects, stray dogs)
Getting lost or separated from the group
Allergic reactions from toxic plants or insect bites
Adverse reactions to altitude
Limited access to immediate medical assistance in remote areas

The participant accepts that, despite all preventive measures taken by Torino Gathering, no mountain hike is entirely risk-free, and participation involves voluntary and informed exposure to the dangers described.

Nature of the Activity and Personal Responsibility
These events are simple social and non-professional hikes, organized with the sole purpose of promoting social interaction and spending leisure time outdoors.
They are not guided or professional activities: the organizer is NOT a certified environmental hiking guide, nor does he/she act as a professional escort, nor does the event attempt to replace one.
The organizer acts solely as a voluntary coordinator of a social and recreational activity, and not as a professional guide authorized under Italian law.
Each participant joins the event entirely at their own risk, accepting all risks associated with outdoor activities.

A minimum level of physical fitness, appropriate seasonal clothing, and trekking shoes are required.
The organizer is not responsible for injuries, damage to persons or property, loss of belongings, or delays during the activity.

By participating, each person declares to be in suitable mental and physical condition and agrees to the above.

Physical Condition and Required Equipment
Participants must ensure they meet the physical demands and bring the minimum required equipment, including (unless otherwise stated):

Suitable hiking footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
At least 1.5L of drinking water
Food/snacks for the day
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

Participants who fail to meet these requirements may be denied participation without refund.
The organizer reserves the right to exclude before or during the activity any participant who does not meet the physical or equipment requirements, or whose behavior compromises group safety, without refund.

Insurance Requirement
Unless otherwise stated, the event price does not include insurance.
Each participant is strongly recommended to have personal accident and rescue insurance valid in Italy, as well as personal civil liability insurance. In the absence of such coverage, the participant assumes full responsibility for all costs related to rescues, transport, or medical care. Torino Gathering does not provide collective insurance.

Behaviour During the Hike
Participants must behave responsibly and respectfully toward others and the natural environment. It is strictly prohibited to:

Leave the group or form a secondary group — all participants must stay together and maintain visual contact with the rest of the group at all times
Litter or damage the environment
Carry or consume alcohol, substances or drugs before or during the hike
Carry weapons of any kind, including knives, blades, or sporting weapons
Engage in behaviour that compromises group safety

Failure to comply may result in immediate exclusion from the event and, in serious cases, removal from the community.
Participants who bring dogs or other animals to the hikes or community events are fully and solely responsible for any actions, damages, or injuries caused by their animals to other participants, third parties, or property. They are also responsible for verifying in advance whether animals are allowed in the area where the activity takes place, and for complying with all applicable rules and laws regarding pets.

Use of Community Channels by Third Parties
Torino Gathering is not responsible in any way for hikes or excursions organized by third parties who use our platforms or WhatsApp groups to promote their own activities or invite community members to join. This practice is strongly discouraged, as such events are not supervised or endorsed by Torino Gathering, and we cannot guarantee participant safety.
Anyone organizing such independent events and who is not an official representative of Torino Gathering or part of the organizing team is fully responsible for the safety of their participants and guests.

They must be equipped with basic safety provisions, including a fully stocked first aid kit, GPS, and appropriate communication systems such as walkie-talkies or satellite-capable phones.
Torino Gathering recommends against this practice both for organizers and participants.

Scheduling and Delays
Participants must not schedule other commitments (e.g., travel, work, social events) for the remainder of the day following a Torino Gathering activity. Hikes and excursions may be delayed due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen circumstances.
Torino Gathering and its organizers will not be held responsible for missed trains, flights, reservations, or any other costs resulting from delays or cancellations.

Cancellations and Changes
Hikes will be cancelled in the event of rain, avalanche risk, or other weather conditions that may endanger safety.
In the case of cancellation by the organizers, a refund or rescheduling option will be offered.
Participants cancelling more than 5 days in advance will receive a full refund. No refunds will be granted for later cancellations.
If a participant is late and misses the transportation or group departure, no refund will be issued.
If a hike or excursion must be interrupted after it has already started due to accidents, weather conditions, or safety concerns, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Photo and Video Policy
Photos and videos may be taken during hikes for documentation and promotional purposes. Any participant may request that their image be removed from publications.
The use of drones is authorized during Torino Gathering hikes and events, provided that participants comply with applicable laws and safety regulations regarding drone operation.

Emergency Contact
There will be a responsible person available by phone during the event. In the event of an accident or emergency, appropriate response protocols will be activated, but all costs will be borne by the affected participant.

Substance Use Policy
The consumption of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that alter behavior is strictly prohibited during excursions. Torino Gathering assumes no responsibility for any accidents or damages caused by individuals under the influence. The individual assumes full legal and financial responsibility for any consequences affecting themselves or others. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate expulsion from the community.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY AND RISK ACCEPTANCE – MOUNTAIN HIKES
As a registered participant in this mountain activity organized by Torino Gathering, I declare that I have read, understood, and fully accepted all the terms stated above.
I acknowledge that I have been fully informed of the risks described and that I am participating voluntarily and under my sole responsibility, releasing Torino Gathering, its organizers, and collaborators from any civil, criminal, medical, or financial liability resulting from any incident, except in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct by the organizer.

Furthermore, I declare that:

I am in adequate physical and mental condition to participate in this type of activity.
I fully assume all risks associated with the activity.
I have (or have been informed of the need to have) appropriate personal insurance.
I agree to follow the organizers' instructions at all times and behave responsibly.
I am of legal age, and I am not bringing any minors with me.
Torino Gathering events are strictly for adults only. The minimum participation age is 18 years. No minors are allowed under any circumstances, as these activities are not designed or intended for children and may involve risks unsuitable for them.

Drivers – Voluntary Car Sharing Terms

Voluntary Participation and No Employment Relationship
Any participant who offers their personal vehicle to transport others to and from the hiking destination confirms that they do so voluntarily, without any professional, contractual, or employment relationship with Torino Gathering. No compensation is provided, and no service of transport is being offered.

Driver’s Legal Responsibilities
The driver is solely and fully responsible for their vehicle, their driving, and the safety of their passengers. By joining the activity as a driver, they declare that they:
– hold a valid driving license recognized in Italy;
– have valid insurance (RCA) covering third parties and passengers;
– have passed the mandatory technical inspection (revisione);
– will comply with Italian traffic laws and safety regulations, including required equipment (e.g. reflective vests, warning triangle, winter tires/chains where needed).
Fines, penalties, or traffic violations incurred by volunteer drivers during transportation are their sole responsibility. Torino Gathering and other participants are not liable for any reimbursement of such costs.

Transport Arrangements and Cost Sharing
Torino Gathering does not provide or manage transportation for participants. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the hiking destination.
If participants wish to share a car, they must organize this independently by reaching agreements directly with other attendees.
In such cases, passengers may contribute to fuel and toll expenses, dividing costs informally among themselves.

No Transport Service Provided
Torino Gathering does not organize or operate transport. The car sharing initiative is purely informal, based on mutual cost sharing among private individuals. Drivers retain full autonomy and control over their vehicles, route, and driving decisions.
Torino Gathering has no legal or financial relationship with the drivers. Any agreements or reimbursements are made directly between private individuals (drivers and passengers).

Nature of the Hike
Hiking events organized by Torino Gathering do not include overnight accommodation, do not exceed 24 hours, and are not sold as combined services. As such, these events do not qualify as “tourist packages” under Article 33 of Legislative Decree 79/2011, and Torino Gathering is not a travel agency or tour operator.
The contribution requested from participants is exclusively intended as reimbursement of organizational expenses and does not constitute payment for guiding services or tourist packages.

Driver Cancellation Policy
Drivers must inform the organizers as early as possible if they are unable to participate. Any driver who fails to notify the organizers at least 48 hours in advance on two separate occasions will be suspended from driving in future events for a period of six months.

Accidents and Liability
Drivers assume full civil and legal responsibility for any incidents, accidents, or damages caused to themselves, their passengers, or third parties during the trip. Torino Gathering shall not be held responsible for any such events, except in cases of proven gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of the organization.

Additional terms & conditions
On top of the terms and conditions for hiking activities, our community terms & cons are applied. You can check them at the bottom of this site. "Terms & conditions of use"

Legal Confirmation
By signing this document electronically, I confirm that I have read and accepted this contract and liability waiver in full. This agreement is legally valid under Italian regulations regarding electronic contracts and recreational activities.