Snowmate General Terms of Use

Welcome to Snowmate! These General Terms of Use ("Terms of Use") govern your access to and use of the website https://snowmate.cc and/or any related mobile applications (together, the "Snowmate Platform"), which are owned and operated by Snowmate Limited, a Hong Kong-incorporated company ("we," "us," or "Snowmate"). These Terms also apply to all services provided or facilitated through the Snowmate Platform (the "Services").

By accessing, registering, or using the Snowmate Platform, you ("User" or "you") agree to be bound by these Terms of Use, as well as our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms of Use, you may not access or use the Snowmate Platform or the Services.

1. Your Agreement

1.1 Acceptance of Terms: By using the Snowmate Platform, you agree to these Terms of Use, which constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Snowmate.

1.2 Eligibility: You confirm that you are at least 18 years old or of legal age in your jurisdiction and capable of entering into legally binding contracts.

1.3 Third-Party Operators: The Snowmate Platform works as an intermediary connecting Users with independent third-party providers ("Operators") who offer snow-related services, including but not limited to snow gear rentals, resort bookings, and trainer matching. Snowmate is not the provider of these services.

2. Changes to the Terms of Use

2.1 Modifications: Snowmate reserves the right to amend or modify these Terms of Use at any time without prior notice. Updated Terms will be posted on the Snowmate Platform, and the date of the last revision will be indicated.

2.2 Continued Use: Your continued use of the Snowmate Platform after changes to these Terms signifies your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you must stop using the Platform and Services.

3. Use of the Snowmate Platform and Services

3.1 Ownership of Content: The Snowmate Platform, its features, content, and services, are owned and operated by Snowmate. All materials, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, videos, and software, are the intellectual property of Snowmate or its licensors.

3.2 Access to Services: Snowmate provides access to the Services offered by Operators. These Services are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Snowmate may modify, suspend, or discontinue any Services at its sole discretion without notice.

3.3 Platform Availability: Snowmate does not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform or Services. Users are responsible for ensuring their internet connection and devices meet the requirements to access the Platform.

3.4 Prohibited Activities: Users must not:

• Engage in fraudulent or unlawful activities.
• Disrupt the functionality of the Platform.
• Attempt to bypass Snowmate's payment systems.
• Use automated tools (e.g., bots, crawlers) to access or interact with the Platform.

4. Booking and Payment Terms

4.1 Booking Confirmation: Bookings made through the Snowmate Platform are subject to confirmation by the relevant Operator. Snowmate is not responsible for any delays or errors in the confirmation process.

4.2 Payment Processing: Payments for Services are processed by Snowmate on behalf of Operators. Snowmate may charge a service fee for facilitating transactions.

4.3 Pricing: Prices displayed on the Platform are set by Operators and may include applicable taxes. Snowmate reserves the right to correct pricing errors or discrepancies.

4.4 Refunds and Cancellations: Refunds and cancellations are governed by the policies of the respective Operators. Users are responsible for reviewing these policies before making a booking.

4.5 Additional Charges: Operators may impose additional fees (e.g., equipment deposits, resort fees). Snowmate is not responsible for such charges.

5. User Responsibilities and Conduct

5.1 Account Registration: To use certain Services, you must register for an account and provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

5.2 User Submissions: By posting reviews, comments, or other content on the Snowmate Platform, you grant Snowmate a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display such content.

5.3 Prohibited Conduct: Users must not:

• Post defamatory, offensive, or harmful content.
• Infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
• Engage in activities that violate applicable laws or regulations.

6. Third-Party Operators

6.1 Independent Providers: Services listed on the Snowmate Platform are provided by independent Operators. Snowmate is not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of these Services.

6.2 No Warranty: Snowmate does not warrant or guarantee the availability, accuracy, or fitness of any Services offered by Operators.

6.3 Disputes with Operators: Any disputes regarding the Services must be resolved directly between the User and the Operator. Snowmate is not a party to such disputes.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Ownership: All content on the Snowmate Platform is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Users may not reproduce, modify, or distribute any content without Snowmate's prior written consent.

7.2 User Content: By submitting content to the Platform, you represent that you own or have the necessary permissions to share the content and grant Snowmate the right to use it as described in these Terms.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Platform Use: The Snowmate Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Snowmate makes no warranties regarding the availability, accuracy, or reliability of the Platform.

8.2 Third-Party Services: Snowmate is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from Services provided by Operators.

8.3 Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Snowmate disclaims all liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Platform or Services.

8.4 Maximum Liability: Snowmate's aggregate liability for any claims related to the Platform or Services shall not exceed the total amount paid by the User for the relevant booking.

9. Privacy Policy

Snowmate values your privacy. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by Snowmate: Snowmate may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms or other applicable policies.

10.2 Termination by User: You may terminate your account by contacting Snowmate's support team.

10.3 Effects of Termination: Upon termination, your access to the Platform and any active bookings will be canceled, subject to the cancellation policies of the relevant Operators.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law: These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

11.2 Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong.

12. Miscellaneous

12.1 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12.2 Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without Snowmate's prior written consent.

12.3 Entire Agreement: These Terms, along with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Snowmate.

13. Instructor Matching Service Disclaimer

13.1 Visa Legality: Instructors must independently verify and ensure that their visa status complies with local laws when providing services. The platform is not responsible for verifying the visa status of Instructors and assumes no legal liability arising from such matters.

13.2 Platform Role: Snowmate serves solely as a matchmaking platform between Instructors and users and does not bear any legal responsibility for the legality of the Instructors' actions or services on the platform. Instructors must independently confirm and ensure the legality of their services.

13.3 Snowmate Verified Account: If an Instructor wishes to obtain a "Snowmate Verified" account status, they must submit relevant supporting documents to the platform (e.g., a valid work visa, certification, etc.). Instructors are responsible for ensuring the authenticity and validity of the documents provided.

13.4 Document Verification and Revocation Rights: The platform reserves the right to review the documents submitted by Instructors and may revoke the verification badge or remove their profile from the platform at any time if any documents are found to be false or invalid, without prior notice.

13.5 Information Disclosure and User Choice: The platform only provides reference information regarding the account status and related details of the Instructor. Users are responsible for making their own selection based on this information. The platform is not liable for users' final decisions.

13.6 Liability Allocation: Any disputes, fines, or legal liabilities arising from an Instructor's failure to fulfill visa requirements or other legal obligations shall be borne solely by the Instructor. The platform assumes no responsibility for such issues.

14. Third-Party Services

14.1 Nature of Services: Snowmate operates as an international platform primarily offering integrated services related to skiing and travel. These include, but are not limited to, ski coaching, gear rental, car rental, snow tour recommendations, and hospitality services (collectively referred to as "Third-Party Services"). Snowmate Limited is not a direct provider or operator of any Third-Party Services. All information displayed on the platform is provided by independent third-party service providers (hereinafter referred to as "Service Providers").

14.2 Display of Service Information: All information regarding Third-Party Services displayed on the Snowmate Platform is for reference only. All bookings, including payment, confirmation, and service arrangements, are processed directly between the User and the relevant Service Providers. Snowmate Limited does not manage or operate these services and assumes no direct responsibility for the provision of such services.

14.3 Governing Law for Transactions: All transactions conducted through the Snowmate Platform are processed in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or United States Dollars (USD) and are deemed to take place in Hong Kong. Snowmate Limited is a Hong Kong-registered company, and all bookings and payments made through the platform are governed by the laws of Hong Kong.

15. Limitations of Liability for Third-Party Services

15.1 Third-Party Responsibility: Snowmate Limited is not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or availability of services provided by Third-Party Service Providers, including but not limited to gear rental, car rental, snow tours, or hospitality services. Any disputes, complaints, or claims related to Third-Party Services must be resolved directly between the User and the Service Provider.

15.2 Platform Role: Snowmate acts solely as a platform for displaying information about Third-Party Services and facilitating connections between Users and Service Providers. Snowmate Limited is not a travel agent, service operator, or intermediary subject to local regulatory laws.

15.3 Compliance with Local Laws: Users acknowledge that all Service Providers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, including but not limited to operating licenses, tax obligations, and other applicable laws. Snowmate Limited assumes no responsibility for any issues arising from a Service Provider's failure to comply with these laws.

16. Cross-Border Platform Positioning

16.1 International Platform Identity: Snowmate is designed as an international platform for global users. Its interface primarily operates in Chinese and English, and all transactions are carried out in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or United States Dollars (USD). This emphasizes its role as an overseas service platform and not one targeting any specific domestic market, such as Japan.

16.2 Non-Local Regulation: By using the Snowmate Platform, Users acknowledge that Snowmate Limited is neither the operator nor the intermediary of the services provided by Third-Party Service Providers and is not subject to the relevant local laws of the service location.

16.3 User Responsibility in Specific Regions: If Users book Third-Party Services (e.g., accommodations, gear rentals, or snow tours) through the Snowmate Platform for use in specific regions, Users acknowledge and agree that all transactions and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the Service Provider. Snowmate Limited is not involved in the legal or operational aspects of these services.

17. Additional Disclosures

17.1 Language and Currency: The Snowmate Platform operates with a Chinese and English interface. All prices are displayed in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or United States Dollars (USD), ensuring clarity for international users and further emphasizing the platform's identity as an overseas service platform.

17.2 Contact Information: If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact us:
Address: ROOM 03-A05, 13/F., WORLD-WIDE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE,
43-47 SHAN MEI STREET, FO TAN, HK
Email: [email protected]

17.3 Third-Party Independence: Users acknowledge that Snowmate Limited does not guarantee or verify the licenses, operating permits, or qualifications of Third-Party Service Providers. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before confirming bookings to ensure the services meet their needs.

17.4 Disclaimer: All information displayed on the Snowmate Platform is for reference only. Snowmate Limited assumes no responsibility for any damages, disputes, or losses arising from services provided by Service Providers, including but not limited to gear rental, accommodations, or snow tours.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us:

By using or accessing the Snowmate Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use.