After nearly a decade of anticipation, Maine Huts and Trails is now open for business. To be precise, make that "Hut" singular. But the organization's showcase first hostelry, near Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley, is a singular creation, and the facility opened to cross-country skiers and snowshoers last week.

I forgot to bring my camera when I attended last weekend's open house, but Ann Hitzrot, a friend I know from the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, graciously loaned me some of hers for this blog.

Skiers head toward Poplar Stream Falls Hut, the newly opened overnight hostelry in Carrabassett Valley.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

The first hut is located about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, just off Gauge Road in Carrabassett Valley. Although the distance is short, the trail is hilly with a net elevation gain of about 350 feet. Expect to use your herringbone step and snowplow! (You can also use snowshoes.)

Alternatively, the hut can be reached via a connection to a trail that starts farther west on Route 27, near the Sugarloaf outdoor center (aka cross-country touring center), a route that avoids one substantial hill.

The main trail to the hut and beyond is mechanically groomed with one classical track set. For some reason, the side trails are broken out with a snowmobile, but not groomed. Curious choice.

Skiers arrive at the Poplar Stream Falls Hut after climbing the final short hill. The hut is located about 2.5 miles from the Carrabassett Valley trailhead and requires a net vertical rise of about 350 vertical feet.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

Skis are planted in the snow near the Poplar Stream Falls Hut, which opened for business last weekend.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

The "hut" is actually a cluster of small buildings. One is for dining -- full breakfast and dinner are served -- with an upstairs common area. Plus there's a scattering of bunkhouses located a few yards away.

A bunkroom at the Poplar Stream Falls Hut, one of several arrangements available for overnight stays.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

The upstairs loft is part of the common area of the central building.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

Three different sleeping arrangements are offered. Semi-private family rooms have a double bed plus two bunks. Then there are bunkhouses for eight and twelve.

Maine Huts and Trails executive director Dave Herrings speaks with visitors in in the main building at Poplar Stream Falls Hut.
ANN HITZROT PHOTO

Prices start at $55 for members of the non-profit organization. Costs include hot breakfast and dinner.

Poplar Stream Falls Hut was made possible by a donation from New Balance, an athletic footwear company with several Maine manufacturing plants. A network of twelve huts is projected along a 190-mile skiway that will extend between the Sunday River Valley and Rockwood, on Moosehead Lake.

MH&T officials anticipate starting construction on the second, to be located at the eastern end of Flagstaff Lake, sometime this summer, with an opening expected for next winter.

The Ski Bum hopes to come again soon, and issue additional reports. He also hopes to bring his own camera.

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