By Maryann Hammers

Aspen Meadows Resort is situated on 40 acres, surrounded by the Rockies and just five minutes from the heart of Aspen. All 98 suites (including some with two bedrooms) have floor-to-ceiling windows and private patios or balconies to enjoy the view. The resort’s “Salute to the Heroes” package offers a 30-percent discount off accommodations. Book online using promotion code DHSH, or call (800) 452-4240.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Ski Country USA.

The military has been part of the fabric of Colorado’s ski industry for almost 75 years, beginning when the 10th Mountain Division trained for combat in the Italian Alps near what is now the Ski Cooper ski area near Leadville. Today, many of the resorts that make up Colorado Ski Country USA offer special military pricing on season passes and/or lift tickets, with discounts up to 58 percent. (Each resort establishes its own offers, but all the deals are pretty good.) Depending on the resort, you’ll also usually save on dependents’ tickets, accommodations, and equipment rentals. Participating resorts include:

• Ski Cooper: This resort proudly calls itself “old school” for its down-home, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Copper Mountain: There’s a lot to do here, with spa treatments, tubing sessions, great restaurants, and more.
• Crested Butte: This charming, historic mining town is adjoined to a ski resort.
• Eldora: The resort is just 21 miles west of Boulder.
• Ski Granby Ranch: This family-friendly resort is 90 miles from Denver and 20 miles from the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Loveland: Located 53 miles from Denver, Loveland has an average of 400 deep inches of snow a year.
• Monarch Mountain: This family favorite also attracts expert skiiers with steep terrain, black diamond runs, tree skiing, and fresh powder snow.
• Powderhorn: Try other fun activities here, such as bag jumping and tubing.
• Durango Mountain Resort: Try Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or ice climbing.
• Sunlight: This uncrowded, hassle-free resort boasts the world’s largest hot springs pool.
• Winter Park: Seven distinct skiing territories are offered, from chill to challenging.
• Wolf Creek: This resort claims the most snow in Colorado.

The discounted Patriot Pass Season Pass offers access and unlimited skiing and riding at multiple resorts, so you can mountain hop. Important tip: If you’re over 60 or so, also ask about senior discounts on lift tickets and season passes, which often offer even greater savings than the military prices.

Rocky Mountain Blue at Keystone Resort is a world-class, year-round resort, especially designed for the military community. Managed by the 10th Force Support Squadron of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the resort is open exclusively to active duty, reserve, and retired personnel; National Guard members; and DoD and NAF government employees and their immediate family members and guests. “Rocky Mountain Blue is all about Champagne skiing on a military budget,” a spokesperson says. Find web specials with discounts of up to 50 percent here; book your trip and find discounted rates here; or call (866) 768-2583 for information and reservations. Read more about Rocky Mountain Blue here.

We told you abut the Military Getaway Package at YMCAof the Rockies in 2013. Good news: The offer is still valid for active duty and reserve servicemembers during ski season. The price is just $159 for two nights in any lodge room — all meals included. Up to four people may stay in each room at that price. Choose from Estes Park (minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park) or Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park. Call (888) 613-9622 for more information. You must provide proof of active duty at time of check-in.