KINGFIELD — Maine Huts & Trails will hold “New Year’s at the Huts”  on Tuesday, Dec. 31. All four eco-lodge huts within the Maine Huts & Trails system will be serving champagne to overnight guests on New Year’s Eve.

Flagstaff Hut and Stratton Brook Hut will host special New Year’s Eve experiences with a decorated dining room and a festive four-course meal serving locally sourced organic ingredients. The menu will include soup, salads, beef bourguignon, dessert and a variety of sides, along with champagne, starting at 6 p.m. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Stratton Brook offers stunning alpine views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelows and is a great spot for guests to catch the Sugarloaf Mountain fireworks at 9 p.m., while guests at Flagstaff will enjoy the serene views of Flagstaff Lake and the Bigelow range.

The Stratton Brook Hut has sold out but space is still available at Flagstaff.

Special rates for the evening of the 31st at all huts are as follows: members, $94/bed for adults, $54/bed for kids 17 and under, $269/private room; nonmembers, $109/bed for adults, $64/bed for kids 17 and under, $329/private room. Groups of 12 or more should call for rates.

To make a reservation, call 207-265-2400 or email lodging@mainehuts.org. Special dietary restrictions should be noted when booking.

More information can also be found at www.mainehuts.org.

Winter season info

The opening weekend of the sixth winter season at Maine Huts & Trails began Dec. 20 for all huts except Grand Falls, which will open for the full-service winter season on Jan. 17.

After their best winter season to-date in 2012-13, they are ready for this year with a variety of new offerings and experiences for members and guests alike, including youths 17 and under stay for free from Dec. 20-22 and can stay for half-price from Jan. 1-15.

Also new this season, Maine Huts & Trails is offering gear shuttles from the trailheads and a Passport Program. Gear shuttles will be offered from the Poplar, Flagstaff and Stratton Brook trailheads, as well as between the huts, beginning Jan. 17, for $25 per bag at the time of booking.

The new Passport Program is offered for guests looking to have a true hut-to-hut experience, allowing guests to spend one night at each of the four huts: Flagstaff, Stratton Brook, Grand Falls and Poplar, all for a discounted rate. The passports are non-refundable but each night can be redeemed separately if desired, and includes four nights’ lodging, dinner, breakfast and a trail lunch.

Passports rates are as follows: members, $299/adult, $165/youth 17 and under; nonmembers, $349/adult, $205/youth 17 and under.

“Each year we try to be proactive in ways we can help enhance the Maine Huts & Trails experience for our guests,” said Charlie Woodworth, executive director of Maine Huts & Trails. “We are excited to be increasing the age for discounted children rates for the families that visit us, and to now also be offering a passport option to guests who are looking to spend multiple nights with us at each hut this season.”

Winter passports can also be purchased as holiday gifts along with gift cards and more. For more information, visit www.mainehuts.org or call 207-265-2400.

In addition to these new programs, Maine Huts & Trails will also host their sixth annual Ski Marathon & Tour on March 16.

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