By Maryann Hammers

Colorado ski resort towns bustle in winter, but guess what? They’re even more appealing in summer if you seek an active and outdoorsy getaway or just a quiet, scenic retreat. We found some great military deals, too.

Crested Butte

Photo courtesy of Ruby of Crested Butte.

This 1880s mining town, “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” and National Register Historic District is made up of colorful Victorian buildings housing exceptional eateries, hip nightspots, sophisticated galleries, a museum, and unique shops. There’s always something going on: The town is host to the six-week Crested Butte Music Festival, free outdoor Alpenglow concerts, ArtWalk Evenings, Crested Butte Arts Festival, and more. Now that we’ve whetted your appetite for a visit to Crested Butte, here are some lodging options with military discounts:

• Active duty servicemembers who stay at any property managed by Crested Butte Lodging, including full-service hotels, a hostel (with dorm rooms, a family room, and apartments), condominiums, and townhomes get a 30-percent discount. Request your discount when you make your reservation; proof required at check-in. Call (888) 412-7310.
• The Ruby of Crested Butte, a bed and breakfast, offers active duty and retired servicemembers a 20-percent discount when you stay at least three nights. Look at what else you get: Complimentary breakfast each morning, 20 percent off dinner at Maxwell’s Steakhouse, a one-hour massage for two, and chocolate-covered strawberries upon
  arrival. The discount is valid through May 2014 and must be mentioned at time of reservation. Call (800) 390-1338.

Estes Park

Photo courtesy of the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park.

When you see the spa, museum, hotel-style lodging, and contemporary cabins, you won’t believe you’re staying at a YMCA. The YMCA of the Rockies not only offers a terrific package deal for active duty servicemembers but also a fabulous family vacation with horseback riding, hiking, orienteering, plus day camps and art classes for the kids. The Military Getaway Package is $159 for two nights, up to four people per room, with meals included. For information and reservations, call (888) 613-9622.

Green Mountain Falls

The six-room Outlook Lodge, just 20 minutes from the military hub of Colorado Springs, was built in 1889. Guests are welcome to use the library, spacious shared living and dining room, and laundry room — or just sit a spell on the large wraparound porch with rocking chairs or patio with fire pit. Regular rates start at $99 a night, but active duty and retired servicemembers get a year-round 20-percent discount. Use booking code MILITARY. For information, email inquiries@outlookgmf.com.

Telluride

At 9,500 feet in the San Juan Mountains, Mountain Lodge is an upscale, pet-friendly slopeside resort. Accommodations include luxury suites; lodge rooms; one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium units; and private cabins with up to six bedrooms — all with private balconies or patios and jetted tubs, plus fireplaces and gourmet kitchens in condos and cabins. Be pampered with amenities such as daily housekeeping, grocery shopping service, a fitness center, a massage room, a steam room, an outdoor deck with a heated pool and hot tubs, and free wireless Internet. The lodge offers a year-round 15-percent military discount. Call (970) 369-5000 for more information.

Aspen and Winter Park

We previously told you about the 30-percent discount at Aspen Meadows Resort (call (800) 452-4240) and military package offered by YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park ($159 for two nights, all meals included for up to four people — call (888) 613-9622). We’re happy to report that these offers are still valid as of this writing. Click here for more information.