BANGOR – The Penobscot Valley Ski Club closed its successful 2007-2008 season with an annual banquet and awards ceremony recently at the Elks Club.

The club welcomed speaker Dave Herring, executive director of Maine Huts and Trails. The organization is in Phase I of a five- to seven-year project to build 42 huts and secure 180 miles of trails from the Mahoosuc Mountains to Moosehead Lake. Trails are open for Nordic skiing during winter and biking, hiking and access to paddling in the warmer months.

In February, the organization celebrated the opening of its first hut at Poplar Stream Falls south of Flagstaff Lake. Plans call for breaking ground on a second hut this spring.

Herring said the huts were modeled after hut systems in New Zealand and Colorado and will “create venues for general recreationists” to enjoy the beauty of Western Maine. The huts utilize sustainable energy and house 42 guests. Information about Maine Huts and Trails is available at www.mainehuts.org.

At the ceremony the club recognized the youth involved in the club’s Learn-to-Ski Program, Alpine Racing Development Program and Youth Cross-Country Skiing Program. These programs had combined registrations of more than 100 youth from the Bangor region. The club recognized the many volunteers who contribute to the club’s mission of promoting snow-related activities in the Penobscot Valley.

Annette Nelligan, club president, gave special recognition to the winners of the club’s Silver Skis awards, presented for outstanding service to the snow-sport industry in Maine.

Recipients of Silver Skis Awards were Ron Olson, who has devoted countless hours to the Maine Handicapped Ski Program; Doug Bears, co-ordinator of the club’s annual trip to Quebec and surrounding ski venues; and Richard Judd, club secretary, newsletter editor and alpine ski coach.

The Penobscot Valley Ski Club activities will resume in September with monthly membership meetings; the annual ski sale fundraiser in October; bus trips to Sugarloaf and Quebec; and the Learn-to-Ski, alpine and Nordic programs. Annual family membership fee is $25. Information about the club is available at www.pvskiclub.org.