Any tips for a first trip to Steamboat?

Steamboat's awesome, with great snow, even tho it largely faces west, glades and bumps galore, but a few tempting flats near the top (that'll make you wish you had a set of poles and one more board), the teensy backside of Morningside park, and the flats below the steep chutes of Chrismas Tree Chutes.
But first, stay either at the mountain, or in town 3 miles away, with great nightlife. There's a few hoppin spots at the mountain, too, such as the Tugboat Saloon. Do NOT stay in the no-man's land between the mountain and town, unless you really like busses. Also beware the tempting "ski-in, ski-out" condos above the base area to the NE, unless you like spending very, very quiet nites in the condo and have a car.
Seems like 80% of the skiers stay put on one or two groomers off the top, Buddy's or High noon, leaving the bumps and glades for the rest of us.
One disappointment has always been the lousy food service, the best alternative is to hit the bar at the top of the Gondola, the food is decent, and you don't feel like you're in a high school cafeteria. But I've heard they finally have upgraded this summer. At least at Vail or BC, you can get good quality for your $$$$
my favorite secret stash? Just to skier's right of where the Poma used to be. And other triangle shapes.
 
One tip is don't overlook the back side of the mountain. (I think it's the Morningside lift.) On our first (and so far only) trip, we didn't get to the back side til the last day, and were sorry we waited so long. It has nice runs for everybody from intermediate to advanced, with much better quality snow than some areas farther down the front side of the mountain, and was completely uncrowded. The next time we go, this is the first place we'll head.
 
My favorite spots:

Shadows, a never ending bump/pow run in the aspens.

The chutes & No names. The chutes never get any sun and even without new snow will be soft styrofoam. And if there's snow, it's a pillowy elevator shaft.

And don't forget to take a trip to the hippy dip at Strawberry Park. It's a natural hot springs. Just remember the rules, no bottles, and no nudity until after dark :wink:
 
Pajarito-Bred, johnnash, yak,

Thanks for all your great tips! I appreciate you taking the time to share. If it is uncrowded slopes you like you should try Idaho some time.

Can't wait for my trip to "the boat"

Peace
 
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