Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Skihelper.com ("Service," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using skihelper.com (our website), our iOS mobile app (available on the Apple App Store), or any related services, you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Skihelper.com. By creating an account (whether through email/password registration, Google Sign-In, or Apple Sign-In), using guest access, or using any part of our Service, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age
• You have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement
• You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• All information you provide is accurate and truthful

2. Service Description

2.1 What We Provide

Skihelper.com is a free community coordination platform that helps families:

• Find and coordinate carpools to ski destinations
• Share transportation resources within the community
• Buy, sell, or exchange ski equipment
• Connect with other families in the skiing community
• Communicate with carpool partners
• Improve skiing technique through AI-powered video analysis (Video Coach)
• View 16-day snow forecasts for 13 ski resorts (Snow Forecast)

2.2 Account Types

Registered Accounts:

• Full access to all platform features
• Ability to create carpool listings and travel schedules
• Post equipment exchange listings
• Send and receive messages
• Build friends network and manage preferences
• Access AI-powered carpool matching
• Upload ski videos and receive AI coaching feedback (Video Coach)
• View full 16-day snow forecasts for all 13 supported resorts

Guest Access:

• Limited, view-only access to explore the platform
• Can browse public areas of the website and app
• Can view 3-day snow forecast preview (16-day requires registration)
• Cannot create listings, send messages, or participate in carpools
• Cannot access detailed personal information of other users
• Cannot upload videos or use Video Coach AI analysis
• No data storage or account persistence
• Intended for evaluation purposes only

2.3 What We Are NOT

IMPORTANT: We are a coordination platform only. We DO NOT:

• Provide transportation services
• Employ or contract with drivers
• Verify user identities or conduct background checks
• Inspect vehicles or verify insurance
• Guarantee the safety or condition of equipment
• Mediate disputes between users
• Provide insurance coverage of any kind
• Guarantee the accuracy of AI-generated coaching feedback
• Provide professional ski instruction or certification
• Guarantee the accuracy of snow forecasts or weather predictions

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To access full features, you must create an account. We offer three registration methods:

Email and Password Registration:

• Provide a valid email address (required for verification)
• Create a secure password
• Verify your email address through the confirmation link
• Complete your profile with accurate information

Google Sign-In (OAuth):

• Sign in using your existing Google account
• We receive your Google email and basic profile information
• No separate password required
• You manage access through your Google account settings
• Still requires providing a family name to complete registration

Apple Sign-In (OAuth):

• Sign in using your Apple ID
• Option to use Apple's "Hide My Email" privacy feature
• We receive your Apple ID email (or privacy relay email)
• No separate password required
• You manage access through your Apple ID settings
• Still requires providing a family name to complete registration

For all registration methods: You may provide additional optional information (family details, vehicle info, contact preferences). What you share is optional. You may provide general information and use nicknames if you prefer. Share only what you're comfortable sharing with the community.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials (password for email/password accounts, or managing OAuth access for Google/Apple Sign-In)
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
• Ensuring your contact information is current and accurate
• For OAuth users: Managing third-party access through your Google or Apple account settings

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if:

• You violate these Terms of Service
• You provide false or misleading information
• You engage in fraudulent or harmful behavior
• You misuse the platform or abuse other users
• Your account remains inactive for an extended period

3.4 Self-Service Account Deletion

You have the right to delete your account at any time through our self-service deletion process:

1. Log in to your account on the website or mobile app
2. Navigate to Account Profile tab
3. Scroll to the "Danger Zone" section
4. Click "Delete My Account"
5. Complete the multi-step confirmation process (requires entering your family name for verification)
6. Check your email for a deletion confirmation link
7. Click the email link within 1 hour to complete deletion

Guest User Note: Guest users do not have accounts and no personal data is stored, so deletion is not applicable.

4. Carpool Services and Responsibilities

4.1 Our Role

We provide a platform to help families coordinate carpools. We:

• Display travel schedules and carpool availability
• Provide AI-powered matching suggestions (registered users only)
• Facilitate communication between families
• Maintain a community space for coordination

4.2 User Responsibilities

When arranging carpools, YOU are responsible for:

• Safety: Verifying driver licenses, insurance, and vehicle safety
• Legal Compliance: Following all traffic laws and regulations
• Insurance: Ensuring adequate insurance coverage
• Child Safety: Proper car seats, seat belts, and supervision
• Communication: Coordinating pickup/drop-off details
• Judgment: Deciding whether to accept or offer rides
• Vetting: Getting to know families before sharing rides
• Weather/Road Conditions: Assessing safety for travel

4.3 Carpool Risks

You acknowledge that carpooling involves inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Vehicle accidents or mechanical failures
• Weather and road hazards
• Personal conflicts between families
• Schedule changes or cancellations
• Injury or property damage

You assume all such risks when participating in carpools.

5. Equipment Exchange

5.1 Our Role

We provide a marketplace for community members to buy, sell, and trade ski equipment. We:

• Provide a platform for listing items
• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Display item information as provided by users

5.2 Our Limitations

We DO NOT:

• Inspect, verify, or guarantee item condition
• Process payments or handle financial transactions
• Mediate disputes between buyers and sellers
• Verify the accuracy of item descriptions
• Provide warranties of any kind

5.3 User Responsibilities

When buying or selling equipment:

• Sellers: Provide accurate descriptions and disclose all defects
• Buyers: Inspect items before purchase
• Both parties: Negotiate terms directly and handle payment safely
• Safety: Meet in safe, public locations for exchanges

6. Video Coach Feature

6.1 Description

Video Coach is an AI-powered ski technique analysis feature that allows users to:

• Create skier profiles for family members
• Upload ski technique videos for AI analysis
• Receive personalized coaching feedback based on age and skill level
• Track progress through saved feedback history

6.2 Video Upload Rules

When uploading videos, you agree that:

• Videos must show skiing activities only
• You have the right to upload the video content
• You have consent from anyone appearing in the video
• For children: Parents/guardians must manage all video uploads
• Videos must not contain inappropriate, illegal, or harmful content
• Maximum file size: 100MB
• Maximum duration: 60 seconds
• Supported formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM

6.3 Video Retention

• Videos are automatically deleted after 30 days
• AI feedback is permanently saved for your reference
• You can manually delete videos at any time
• Deleting a skier profile will delete all associated videos and feedback

6.4 AI Feedback Limitations

You acknowledge that:

• AI feedback is for informational and entertainment purposes only
• Feedback is NOT a substitute for professional ski instruction
• We do not guarantee accuracy of AI analysis
• You should always seek qualified instruction, especially for children
• Implement suggestions at your own risk and judgment

7. Snow Forecast Feature

7.1 Description

Snow Forecast is a weather information feature that provides:

• 16-day snow predictions for 13 ski resorts (Tahoe area, Mammoth, and China Peak)
• Multi-elevation forecasts (base, mid-mountain, summit)
• Temperature, snowfall, and precipitation data
• Visual timeline display of expected conditions

7.2 Access Levels

• Registered Users: Full 16-day forecasts for all 13 resorts
• Guest Users: 3-day forecast preview for all resorts (registration required for full 16-day access)

7.3 Weather Data Source

Snow forecast data is sourced from Open-Meteo, a third-party weather API. We:

• Fetch and cache weather data hourly on our servers
• Display the data in a user-friendly format
• Show the last update time for transparency

7.4 Forecast Limitations

IMPORTANT: You acknowledge that:

• Weather forecasts are predictions, not guarantees
• Accuracy decreases for forecasts further in the future
• Mountain weather is highly variable and unpredictable
• We do not control or guarantee the accuracy of weather data
• Always check multiple sources before making travel decisions
• Do not rely solely on our forecasts for safety-critical decisions

7.5 User Responsibilities

When using Snow Forecast, YOU are responsible for:

• Verifying conditions with resort websites and official forecasts
• Making your own travel and safety decisions
• Understanding that forecasts may change significantly
• Checking real-time conditions before traveling

8. Messaging and Communication

8.1 Acceptable Use

When using our messaging system, you agree to:

• Communicate respectfully with other users
• Use messaging for legitimate carpool and exchange purposes
• Not send spam, harassment, or inappropriate content
• Not share other users' personal information without consent

8.2 Message Monitoring

While we do not actively monitor messages, we reserve the right to review content if:

• Reported by other users
• Suspected to violate these Terms
• Required by law or court order

9. Prohibited Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Impersonate others or create fake accounts
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Post inappropriate, illegal, or harmful content
• Spam or send unsolicited commercial messages
• Attempt to access accounts or data without authorization
• Interfere with platform operation or security
• Use the Service for illegal purposes
• Scrape or harvest user data
• Upload videos containing inappropriate content to Video Coach
• Circumvent any security measures or access controls

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

10.1 "As-Is" Service

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Warranties of accuracy, reliability, or completeness
• Warranties that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Warranties regarding user conduct or safety

10.2 No Liability for User Interactions

WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR:

• Actions, conduct, or omissions of users
• Carpool arrangements or transportation incidents
• Equipment transactions or disputes
• Accuracy of user-provided information
• Personal injury, property damage, or losses arising from use of the Service
• Failure of users to comply with laws or these Terms

10.3 No Liability - Free Community Platform

CRITICAL - READ CAREFULLY:

This is a FREE community coordination tool provided "as-is" with ZERO LIABILITY:

• We provide NO financial compensation
• We provide NO insurance coverage
• We assume ZERO liability for ANYTHING
• This is a volunteer community project, not a business
• We do not charge fees and provide no commercial services
• All arrangements are entirely between users at their own risk
• Users bear 100% of all risks, costs, and responsibilities
• We are not responsible for any losses, damages, injuries, or disputes

Think of this like a community bulletin board - we simply provide a place for community members to coordinate. Everything else is between you and other users.

10.4 AI Matching Disclaimer

Our AI-powered carpool matching is for convenience only. We make no guarantees about:

• Accuracy or optimality of matches
• Compatibility of matched families
• Safety or suitability of suggested carpools

You must use your own judgment when accepting carpool matches.

10.5 Video Coach AI Disclaimer

The Video Coach AI-powered analysis is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We make no guarantees about:

• Accuracy of technique analysis or feedback
• Appropriateness of suggestions for your skill level
• Safety of implementing AI recommendations
• Equivalence to professional ski instruction

AI coaching is NOT a substitute for professional instruction. Always seek qualified instruction, especially for children and beginners.

10.6 Snow Forecast Disclaimer

The Snow Forecast feature provides weather predictions from third-party sources. We make no guarantees about:

• Accuracy of snowfall predictions or weather forecasts
• Reliability of third-party weather data sources
• Real-time accuracy of displayed information
• Suitability of forecasts for travel planning

Weather forecasts are predictions only. Always verify conditions with multiple sources and make your own safety decisions.

10.7 Guest Access Disclaimer

Guest access is provided for evaluation purposes only. We make no warranties about:

• The accuracy of information visible to guest users
• The availability or functionality of guest features
• The persistence of any guest session data

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Skihelper.com, its owners, operators, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or regulations
• Your interactions with other users
• Content you post on the platform
• Videos you upload to Video Coach
• Carpool arrangements you make
• Equipment transactions you conduct
• Decisions made based on Snow Forecast data
• Any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, please contact us at [email protected] to attempt to resolve disputes informally.

12.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration rather than in court, except:

• Small claims court matters
• Intellectual property disputes
• Injunctive relief requests

12.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

12.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration.

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date
• We will notify users via email or prominent platform notice
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance
• If you disagree with changes, you must stop using the Service

14. Service Modifications and Termination

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service at any time
• Add or remove features without notice
• Change pricing or introduce fees (with advance notice)
• Terminate the Service entirely
• Modify guest access features or availability
• Change Video Coach video retention periods
• Modify Snow Forecast supported resorts or features

We are not liable for any modifications, suspensions, or terminations of the Service.

15. Miscellaneous Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Skihelper.com.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

15.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights to any successor or affiliate.

15.5 Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights.

15.6 Force Majeure

We are not liable for failures or delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, pandemics, wars, etc.).

16. Special Provisions for Minors

While our platform is family-oriented:

• Only adults (18+) may create accounts
• Parents/guardians are responsible for children's participation
• Parents must supervise children's use of the platform
• Parents are liable for their children's conduct
• Information about minors must not be shared beyond matched groups
• Video Coach profiles for minors must be managed by parents
• Guest users cannot access detailed information about minors

17. Contact Information

By clicking "I Accept" or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

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