CONDITIONS OF USE AND RULES
Please note that the German version of this document has legal currency.
1. Right of Use
1.1 Only people who have the necessary knowledge and experience of the safety techniques and measures to be used for bouldering (ropeless climbing up to a maximum height of 4.50 metres) and climbing or who ensure that they receive instruction by a proficient person, are authorised to use the climbing and bouldering facility. Climbing requires a high degree of caution and personal responsibility on the part of the user because of the considerable risks (such as falling) associated with it.
The operator does not carry out any checks as to whether the user (or the people instructing them) has sufficient knowledge of the correct implementation of the safety techniques and measures and whether they apply them. It is the user’s responsibility to check this on a case-by-case basis. The operator is not liable in this regard. Any stay at or usage of the climbing facility takes place at the user’s own risk. Please refer to the indoor, climbing and bouldering rules for details.
1.2 Prices for entry are based upon the applicable price list (please refer to the notice). Each user must be able to show proof of payment of the entry fee at any time during their stay at the facility. Concession rates are only granted upon presentation of appropriate proof. Members must identify themselves by presenting their valid membership card at reception.
1.3 As a contractual penalty, an increased entry fee of 100 euros will be incurred if the facility is used without paying the (correct) entry fee. The assertion of further (damages) claims remains reserved.
1.4 Immediate expulsion from the premises – without reimbursement of the entry fee – and the issue of a permanent ban from entering the premises occur in the event of repeated use of the facility without payment of the correct entry fee for a period of one year or in the event of repeated misuse of the facility infringing upon the Terms of Use in their respective versions.
1.5 Opening times are available as per display. The climbing facility may only be used during opening hours.
1.6 Minors up to the age of 14 may only use the climbing facility under the supervision of a legal guardian or another adult who has been given the duty of supervision; a written declaration of consent from the legal guardian must be submitted (see also Sections 1.8 and 1.9). Independent belaying on top rope or lead is only permitted under the supervision of the person responsible within physical, verbal and visual range. The person responsible for supervision must be able to independently and responsibly belay on top rope or lead. Minors under the age of 14 who have attained the KleVer climbing badge ‘Gämse’ or ‘Cliffhanger’ in gold may belay without someone on back-up belay. The badge must be presented at the check-in desk without prior request. Minors under the age of 14 who have not attained the KleVer climbing badge ‘Gämse’ or ‘Cliffhanger’ in gold must be given a back-up belay by the person responsible for supervision.
1.7 Minors over the age of 14 may use the climbing facility without being accompanied by a legal guardian, provided they present a written declaration of consent from the legal guardian (see also section 1.9).
1.8 Underage participants attending a group event may only use the climbing facility under the supervision of an adult who has been given the duty of supervision; the leader of a group event must be at least 16 years of age, provided that the organising party confirms the consent of the legal guardian for the group event to be carried out by the group leader. A written declaration of consent from the legal guardian must be submitted for each underage participant. The organisation on whose behalf the group event is being held must submit the “Declaration of consent for minors” form, which is to be renewed annually (see also sections 1.9 and 3.2).
1.9 Declaration of consent forms are available at the climbing centre. They must be fully completed in digital form at the reception desk when you visit the climbing facility for the first time and a copy must be presented at reception upon each subsequent visit.
1.10 Leaders of a group event, legal guardians and legal supervisors must ensure that the terms of use are observed by all group participants or by the minors they are accompanying.
1.11 Commercial use of the climbing facility is only allowed with a special permit from the operator. There is no entitlement to such usage.
1.12 As of 1st January 2021, the use of the climbing facility (or, specifically, for belaying independently at the facility) is subject to proficiency in belaying with an auto tuber or semi-automatic belay device. Manual belay devices such as HMS, tube or eight are not permitted.
1.13 The staff of Magic Mountain Kletterhallen GmbH is responsible for instructing belay methods on top rope or on lead and other safety and security-related content. Instruction of a safety method by private individuals is only allowed with the special permission of the operator, requires the presentation of an instructor license recognised by Magic Mountain Kletterhallen GmbH as well as an up-to-date (no older than 2 years) first aid certificate and the signed form “Information / Declaration of consent to convey safety and security-related content”.
1.14 Please note that the use of the self-belay devices (auto belays) is at your own risk. To do so, the necessary expertise in proper usage and knowledge of the associated potential risks is required. The device may only be used when wearing a certified climbing harness and with the safe lock carabiner attached to the device’s steel cable clipped into the tie-in loop of the climber’s harness. As the device renders partner belaying obsolete (as well as the partner check), the climber must carry out a double self-check and functionality test prior to each climb, as follows:
– Self-check: Carabiner is clipped into the tie-in loop and is securely closed.
– Functionality check: Jump to test the self-belay device at a height of 1.5 to 3 meters.
Upon request a member of staff will provide an induction in proper usage and potential risks. Please refer to our reception desk.
Climbers must not go beyond the coloured line at the top of the wall to avoid denting and thereby damaging the steel cable. Only routes in line with the steel cable or in the fall line of the auto belay may be climbed using the device to avoid swinging if taking a fall. The usage of the auto belay devices requires a minimum age of 6 years and a minimum bodyweight of at least 20 kg.
1.15 All people using the climbing centre must adhere to the instructions of the centre staff (house rules). Should the need arise, centre staff members have the authority to close and clear the climbing facility or parts of it without reimbursement of the entry price.
1.16 The climbing centre is under video surveillance. Videos are stored digitally and can be used for staff training purposes if necessary.
2. Dangers when Bouldering and Climbing – the principle of personal responsibility
2.1 Bouldering and climbing require a high degree of caution and personal responsibility because of the considerable risks (such as falling) involved. Danger can also result from falling objects, especially artificial climbing holds, which can loosen or break unpredictably. Certain risks may present themselves in the outdoor facilities depending on the weather, through e.g. moisture, ice or snow.
2.2 Each user is responsible for applying the following “Climbing Rules (Safe Climbing)”, “Hall Rules (General Rules of Conduct in the Climbing and Bouldering Hall)” and “Bouldering Rules (Safe Bouldering)” in order to avoid possible dangers to themselves or to third parties.
2.3 When using the designated climbing routes, ropes with a length of at least 40 m must be used.
2.4 Climbing is only permitted in the designated areas (see posted site plan) and only if a second person is belaying. The belayer must independently master and use a recognised belay method. Standardised, certified equipment approved for sport climbing must be used when belaying.
2.5 Bouldering is only permitted in the designated areas (see the posted site plan). You may climb up to the end of the red section of the bouldering wall below the railings. Under no circumstances may people climb over the top of the railings.
3. Equipment Hire
3.1 Only people who have the necessary knowledge and experience of the safety techniques and measures to be used for bouldering (ropeless climbing) and climbing and who are able to handle the equipment properly or who ensure that they receive instruction from experts are entitled to hire equipment. See also sections 1.1 and 2.1.
3.2 Minors are not entitled to hire equipment unless they can present a declaration of consent (see also section 1.9) from their legal guardian to hire equipment independently. In the context of group events, equipment must be hired by the respective group leader, unless sentence 1 applies.
3.3 The fees to hire equipment are based upon the currently valid price list (see displayed notice). A deposit in the form of photo ID must be given for hired equipment. This equipment may only be used in the respective facility from which it was hired.
3.4 The period of use ends with the return of the equipment, which must be returned no later than 15 minutes before the end of the respective opening hours on the same day. Otherwise, hire fees will apply for an additional period of hire.
3.5 If hired material is lost, it must be replaced according to the list price. In the event of damage or improper use, the lender is entitled to demand compensation.
4. Liability
4.1 The operator is only liable within the framework of the statutory provisions.
4.2 The operator assumes no liability for the loss of items and valuables belonging to the user.
Centre Conditions of Use – Correct behaviour in the climbing and bouldering centre
1. Your duty of care
- You use the climbing and bouldering centre at your own risk! The operator does not carry out any checks.
- Climbing and bouldering pose a significant risk of falling: You can seriously or fatally injure yourself or others.
- Don’t look away when others make mistakes: address the issue with them!
2. Fairness and Consideration
- Be considerate towards others and take care not to endanger yourself or others. Adapt your behaviour to the situation at hand. Avoid spending an excessive amount of time on individual bouldering or climbing routes. Please refrain from reserving routes and from unnecessary falls when the centre is at high capacity.
- Only climb on designated climbing routes. Please do start a route that crosses another route that is already occupied.
- Do not unclip quick draws used by other climbers or without their consent.
- Give the belayer the space they need.
- Only climb or boulder in suitable shoes.
3. Caution in areas of risk
- Be aware that objects can fall in the climbing or bouldering area.
- There is also a risk if you are not climbing or bouldering yourself and are merely a bystander.
- It is important that you take note of any potential falling zone above you.
- Attach items of equipment to the harness in such a way that they cannot fall off or leave them on the ground beyond the falling zone.
4. Clear away obstacles
- Always keep the climbing and bouldering areas free of rucksacks, drinking bottles, prams and play mats. Please do not place any objects in these areas and also leave any furniture or fittings in their original position (tables, benches, etc.).
- The use of glass bottles, glasses, porcelain crockery, etc. is not permitted in the sports zones.
- Items that are not permitted will be removed by staff.
5. First aid
- Please note that providing first aid is obligatory. In case of an accident, please notify staff immediately.
- Please provide your personal details upon request.
6. Report damages
- Please report any damaged or loose climbing holds, volumes, bolts, carabiners, or quickdraws immediately. Making changes is not permitted.
- Please abide by any route closures.
7. The climbing centre is not a playground
- Please supervise children.
- Playing in the climbing and bouldering areas is not permitted for safety reasons.
- Minors aged 14 and above may only climb unsupervised with the consent of their legal guardians.
8. The dangers of jewelry and long hair when climbing
- Jewelry can get caught and cause injury.
- Tie back long hair as it can get caught in the belay device.
- When bouldering, leave the chalk bag on the ground or wear it without a carabiner.
9. No alcohol consumption or smoking
- Do not climb or boulder after drinking alcohol.
- Bringing your own alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Smoking is prohibited – also in our outdoor climbing area.
- Smoking is only permitted on the terrace in front of the entrance area.
- Cigarette butts are rubbish. Please dispose of them in the rubbish bins provided for this purpose.
- Open fires are prohibited in the facility.
10. Mobile phones, music and animals can cause disturbance
- Please refrain from using mobile phones or headphones when climbing and belaying.
- Mobile phones are distracting and can be dropped.
- Headphones can also be a distraction.
- Animals are not permitted.
11. Do not enter restricted areas
- Please do not set foot or climb in any areas that are cordoned off or marked as restricted.
12. Pay attention to hygiene
- Please wear shoes in all sports areas (particularly on the carpet) and when climbing or belaying.
- Flip flops or bathing clogs must be worn in the shower and sauna areas.
- When using the sauna and the chairs and recliners in the relaxation area, at least one large sauna towel must be used to pad the seat.
- In the fitness area, the seats on the sports equipment must be covered with a towel when in use. Cardio machines may only be used with sports shoes and must be wiped down after use. In doing so, stains from sweat can be reduced, as well as the transmission of disease.
- Eating in the sports areas in the climbing centre, especially on the carpet, is not permitted.
13. Reduce dust particles
- The use of chalk creates fine dust pollution for you as well as for other customers and staff.
Please keep your use of chalk to a minimum. - The use of chalk is therefore only permitted in the form of chalk balls (not loose chalk) or liquid chalk.
14. Lock bikes to stands
- Bicycles must be left on one of the bicycle racks in the car park. They may not be taken into the facility.
- Outside of opening hours, no bicycles may be locked to the railings of the driveway. Bicycles parked illegally will be removed and disposed of at the owner’s expense.
Climbing Rules – Safe Climbing
1. Partner check each time before you start
- Know your material and its proper use.
- Only use suitable and up-to-date equipment.
- Each time before you start, please conduct the following partner check:
- Is the climbing harness correctly fastened?
- Is the tie-in knot correct and is the right tie-in point being used?
- Did you check that the belay device works?
- Is the gate of your carabiner shut?
- Is your rope long enough?
- Did you tie a knot at end of your rope?
- Ensure your climbing partner is a competent belayer – after all, they hold your life in their hands!
- Before you start a climb, agree on rope signals with your partner (i.e. say “take” for tightening the rope and “down” in order to be lowered).
2. Always tie in directly
- When top roping and lead climbing, always tie in with your rope directly to the tie-in point of the harness.
3. Use the belay device correctly
- Use a generally accepted belay technique. Please observe the brake hand principle (one hand is always holding onto or enclosing the brake rope) and the correct position of the brake hand.
- When belaying, position yourself close to the climbing wall (approx. 1×1 m). Belay without slack.
- Pay attention to an appropriate weight difference between climbing partners and, if necessary, take measures to compensate for weight differences (measures to increase friction).
- Belaying requires your full attention – don’t let yourself be distracted.
4. Do not take down any top rope ropes
- Please do not take down any ropes already in place. Under no circumstances may they be used as lead climbing ropes.
5. Clip into all quickdraws
- Climbing holds can spin or break, so you must clip into all quickdraws.
- Spontaneous falls are always possible.
- If possible, inform your partner if you need a take or are about to fall.
- Make sure the rope runs in a straight line.
6. Do not clip quickdraws from a too low position
- Clip into all quickdraws from a secure position, not too far below the quickdraw and, if possible, when the clip is level with your hips.
- Up to the 5th quickdraw, the risk of a ground fall is high.
7. Keep the falling zone clear
- Make sure there is enough space to allow for falling on the wall and on the ground.
- Don’t climb into other people’s falling zones.
- Only overtake other climbings if you have previously discussed this with them – the climber ahead of you always has right of way.
- Avoid too much swing on a fall!
8. No top roping on single carabiners
- When top roping, always hang the rope into the two carabiners provided.
- Do not climb past the anchor.
9. Be aware of the danger of swinging
- On very overhanging walls, only second a climb with all quickdraws clipped.
10. No rope on rope contact
- Only ever clip a single rope into the anchor points and quickdraws.
11. Be careful when lowering
- Let your partner know before you let go and hang on the rope.
- Lower your partner slowly and steadily.
- Make sure the space where the person will land is free.
Bouldering rules – safe bouldering
1. Warm up
- Bouldering causes a particular strain to muscles, ligaments and tendons. Warm up! This will help you to prevent injuries. Please do so in the relevant areas.
2. Keep the falling zone clear
- Don’t stand below where people are bouldering as they can fall or jump off at any time.
- Don’t boulder too close together or above each other.
- Colliding into other boulderers can lead to injury.
3. Spotting
- Spot each other if necessary. When you’re alone, you can ask if someone can spot you. When spotting someone, make sure that the person bouldering cannot fall onto you.
4. Jumping or downclimbing
- Always make sure that you jump from a height from which you can still land safely. Try to land with your feet together.
- Despite the special floor padding system installed in this area, serious injuries cannot be ruled out if you jump from a height of up to 3.5 m onto this floor.
- If possible, climb down instead of jumping. This is gentler on the knees and back and prevents injuries.
5. Take care of children
- Be considerate of children.
- Children under the age of 14 require supervision in the bouldering area.
Information on the instruction of safety and security-related content
Courses with safety and security-related topics, such as teaching a belay method, may only be carried out at Magic Mountain climbing centre by qualified personnel with the appropriate training and licence recognised by Magic Mountain Mountain Kletterhallen GmbH, which is still current and valid. The instructor must also meet the associated requirements such as having a current and valid first aid certificate. Magic Mountain generally hires climbing instructors, climbing supervisors, trainers C and B or specialist trainers from the German Alpine Club, climbing instructors or mountain and ski guides from the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides, climbing instructors from the Friends of Nature or specialist instructors from IG Climbing. The training licence must be presented without being prompted on the day of the training. In addition to the possession of a valid training licence, the prerequisites are the declaration of consent to the terms of use and compliance with the current training standards of the respective professional association where the training was carried out. The standard applied by Magic Mountain corresponds to the standard of the climbing centre association KleVer e.V. The standard applied by any external instructors must not be below this standard.
1. Teacher / Instructor
- Only staff trained and certified by KLEVER e.V. or similarly trained instructors (DAV, IG-Klettern, ÖAV, SAC, AVS, state-certified mountain guides, etc.) may conduct climbing courses.
- All instructors must be up-to-date on the basic safety techniques and have a thorough command of them.
- All instructors must adhere to the current teaching methods and standards of the KLEVER teaching team and teach safety techniques accordingly.
2. Time frame
- In order to teach belay techniques and tie-in knots, a time frame of at least 6 hours (360 minutes), spanning 2 to 3 sessions, is required.
- Imparting safety techniques in the form of a “fast-track course” (less than 6 hours in duration) does not comply with KLEVER and Magic Mountain standards. Participants cannot learn the safety-relevant information if there is not enough time for learning and practice.
3. Participant numbers
- No more than three rope teams may be supervised per instructor.
- A maximum of 12 participants is allowed per climbing course.
4. Key aspects of training
- Learning climbing terminology
- Putting on a harness
- Tying in with a suitable knot
- Safely handling an approved and standardized belay device with a correct belay method, observing the brake hand principle and the three-step logic.
- Partner checks
- Instruction in equipment and standards
- Taking and belaying a fall
- The basic physics of climbing
5. Course Content
- The time frame must be adapted to the course content for top rope belaying and climbing or lead climbing and belaying so that the participants have enough time to learn and automate what they have learned.
- Risks arising from weight differences between climber and belayer must be explained or measures must be taken if the weight differences are too great (cf. Panorama 6/16 safety research)
- The figure of eight knot is recommended as a tie-in knot.
- According to the KLEVER standard and the Magic Mountain standard, using one or two opposing carabiners as a means of attaching the rope to the climbing harness is not permitted.
- The use of a semi-automatic or autotube belay device is a requirement in all courses.
- When being belayed by a novice belayer during the instruction or practise of a belay technique with a belay device, the climber must be belayed by an additional person. This requires a rope team of at least 3 people.
- Drop tests on top rope and lead must be carried out. The belayer’s braking hand holds the climbing rope in place at all times when the climber falls.
- Proper spotting before the first clip (relevant to the lead).
- Incorrect clipping techniques must be explained and ruled out.
- Belaying at close proximity to the wall and the dangers of too much slack is taught.
- Dynamic belaying is explained and the risks are addressed.
6. Other Conditions of Use
- Participants and instructors must clip every quickdraw.
- The instructor is not allowed to climb, as they must be able to oversee the teams they are supervising at all times during the session and be able to intervene at any time in the event of danger.
- When learning how to catch a fall, the instructor may not take a fall as a climber, must select a suitable practice area and may not endanger themself, their participants or other climbing guests.
- Participants are considered as having successfully completed their course, if they have internalized, understood and accepted the principles of belaying/climbing, have successfully completed the session and have been instructed theoretically and practically in the aforementioned points over the course of 6 hours.
- The Magic Mountain Terms of Use also apply.
Extended Conditions of Use and Rules for the use of dry tool ice climbing routes at Magic Mountain
The use of ice tools and the ascent of dry tool ice climbing routes is potentially dangerous. Before ascending a dry tool ice climbing route, please inform yourself about the necessary protective measures, the correct and safe use of the relevant equipment and the correct ascent of the route on the climbing wall.
For your own safety, please take note of the following before the first ascent of a dry tool ice climbing route:
1. Before ascending a dry tool ice climbing route you must first receive an induction by a member of Magic Mountain staff.
2. The ascent of dry tool ice climbing routes in top rope or on lead is only permitted to trained top rope or lead climbers aged 18 and above, who have the necessary expertise and sufficient strength, endurance and climbing technique and who have already been climbing indoors regularly for several years. If in doubt, consult reception for an objective assessment.
3. Helmets must be worn at all times by climbers and belayers.
4. All ice climbing gear must be attached to the climber’s harness. To do so, a rope with elastic rubber straps can be used.
5. In the event of a fall, ice climbing equipment can damage or cut the rope, as well as the potential risk of the climber or belayer getting injured. Therefore, the climber should ensure that they avoid falling. On lead they should tell their belayer to “take” at the height of or below a clipped quickdraw. In top rope, saying “take” is possible at any time. Ice climbing is not about sporting performance. Should the rope be damaged in the event of a fall, please inform reception staff immediately.
6. Ice climbing equipment may only be carefully inserted into the steel dry tools. Please ensure that the climbing wall is not damaged. Ice climbing equipment must never be allowed to enter the wall, the screw holes or the bolts, parts of the quickdraws or be placed into handholds and footholds.
7. The use of crampons is strictly prohibited. Please always use climbing shoes.
8. The use of gloves is recommended.
9. Please do not leave any other climbing equipment that is not necessary for ice climbing, such as lanyards, quickdraws, self-belay devices, ice screws etc. attached to your harness.
10. The equipment for dry tool ice climbing can be hired at reception for an additional fee. Should you notice any damages or other irregularities when hiring or returning the equipment, please notify reception staff directly.
Information about the collection of customer data
Information on data collection in accordance with Article 13 GDPR
Magic Mountain Kletterhallen GmbH, Böttgerstraße 20, 13357 Berlin, collects your data for the purpose of executing the contract, to fulfill its contractual and pre-contractual obligations and for direct advertising.
Data collection and data processing is necessary for the execution of the contract and is based on Article 6 Para. 1 b) DSGVO. There is no transfer of data to third parties. Data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose of processing.
You have the right to object to the use of your data for direct marketing purposes at any time. You are also entitled to request information about the data we have saved about you and, if the data is inaccurate, to request the correction or, in the case of inadmissible data storage, the deletion of the data. You can contact our data protection officer at info@magicmountain.de or at data protection officer c/o Magic Mountain Kletterhallen GmbH, Böttgerstraße 20, 13357 Berlin.
Declaration of consent under data protection law
The personal data specified in the contract, in particular name, address, telephone number, bank details, which are necessary and required solely for the purpose of carrying out the contractual relationship that is being created, are collected on the basis of legal authorisation.
Any further use of the personal data and the collection of additional information requires the consent of the person concerned.
If you agree to the following purposes of use, please indicate this accordingly. If you do not want to give your consent, please leave these fields blank.