The Bridges Family Resort
A Top 50 US Tennis Resort Exceptional tennis For Any Age
www.bridgesresort.com
Vermont Tennis Vacations
2/3/5-day pgms or a la carte Pro-student 4:1. Onsite Spa
VermontTennisVacations.com
Here's what others have had to say about New England Tennis Holidays (NH location closed).
"Terrific tennis pros, the best ratio of pros to campers, energetic but not exhausting pace, great mix of stroke focus and match testing, beautiful location with all services, activities available and choice of accommodations and packages."—C.P., Adv. Int., March 2010
"Instructors are superior and make it so much fun. Courts are great and indoor option in bad weather can be a life saver. Plus you get beautiful New England."—J.M., Int., September 2009
"They are THE BEST and that about sums it up! The pros are outstanding, friendly, inviting, kind and extraordinarily helpful. They are, by far, the best tennis experts in the U.S. I can't say enough great things about how much I learned and enjoyed this experience. I will go back regularly. I'm sorry I can't think of any weaknesses. While most other service oriented businesses in the U.S. are sorely lacking in "service" this was a very outstanding expenditure of my weakening dollar!"—R.D., Int., September 2009
"I love New England Tennis Holidays. This has been our fourth year and we learn something new every year. The pros make it fun and keep everyone moving and playing. We have a blast every year and will keep coming back."—L.M., Int., September 2009
""—R.H., Adv. Int., September 2009
"Strengths: Great ability of the pros to communicate stroke improvement suggestions, good participant / pro ration, good instuctional ability to make the time enjoyable (to me, learning best happens when enjoying my time at something).
Weakness: It might be fun to have them incorporate some round robin play, with pro staff providing coaching when players switch sides."—D.S., Int., September 2009
"I could only go for one day this year but still got a complete day of instruction, video, exercise, food, and camaraderie. Time was tight this year but I will definitely go back for more and maybe even try their Florida location in the winter!"—L.G., Low Int., September 2009
"Absolutely!! by far the best camp I've ever been to. Best part was the video analysis and then going to practice on the ball machine with the pro there to critic."—L.N., Int., September 2009
"I have gone to this camp for 5yrs and will continue to go. Love what I learn and the Pro's!!! It's great."—J.M., Adv. Int., September 2009
"The instruction was excellent. They pack a lot into a five hour day. You get your money's worth."—B.M., Adv., September 2009
"Very personalized instruction based on your own individual talents. Always constructive feedback and encouragement. "You can do it" attitude. Renewed interest in the game.
Thanks to the entire instuctional team! jf"—J.F., Int., September 2009
"Yet another great visit to New England Tennis Holidays. Our group of ten traveled for a weekend of tennis, fun and yes a touch of relaxation. Many in our group have attended for over 15 years. The pros approach to reinforcing successful ground strokes, volleys and serves proves to be challenging and rewarding. Worth the trip!"—L.M., Int., September 2009
Rate New England Tennis Holidays (NH location closed)
Tennis players with longish memories associate North Conway, New Hampshire, with the old Volvo International men's tournament, which was played at the Mount Cranmore Racquet Club. Today, former touring pro Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt operate very high quality, 5-hour-a-day summer tennis camps on those same red-clay tournament courts. They put campers up in nearby condos, a mountain lodge, or a New England inn, and then ensure post-clinic camaraderie by including optional group dinners at various restaurants in the area hosted by one or more of the pros.
Pro Shop: 603-356-9696
For the last several years, New England Tennis Holidays has had a lock on the No. 1 ranking for tennis camps in the U.S. on Tennis Resorts Online's annual reader poll. There are any number of reasons, but two of the most crucial are that Kurt and Clare Grabher, who started the camp more that 20 years ago, never let a season pass without asking what they can do better next year; and they typically hire not college kids but pros with years of teaching experience—the average was 15 years the last time I attended.
The three-hour morning sessions eventually cover all the major strokes as well as singles and doubles strategy. There is a break for lunch at noon—sandwiches, salads, and pastas at the adjacent Sports Club—and then the program continues with videotaping, a series of "Stroke Stations," during which you head for the court that is working on the stroke you want more help with, and the organized sessions end with a round robin. "People want to play," notes Kurt Grabher.
The result is a very balanced program, with a strong instructional component supplemented by a variety of playing situations. Though it runs five hours a day, I would not classify it among the grueling camps. When the afternoon sessions end, campers are typically tired but not exhausted—and a few, in fact, hang around the courts to play a bit more.
It helps, of course, that the camp takes place in northern New Hampshire, where a demanding program takes far less toll than it does in south Florida. And the staff encourages camaraderie by arranging group dinners at a different local restaurant each night, which helps makes this a comfortable option for people who come alone.
Courts & Fees. There are five red-clay courts set in the embrace of the stadium and four indoor hard courts, which can be used in case of inclement weather. Court fees: None for participants.
Golf Courses. There is a 9-hole course at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, one of three lodging choices offered by New England Tennis Holidays.
Fitness Center. In addition to indoor and outdoor courts, the Cranmore Sports Club has a complete fitness center with Nautilus equipment, cardiovascular machines, and free weights. There are also aerobics and yoga classes, an indoor climbing wall, and steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Massages can also be arranged. Use of the facility is free to New England Tennis Holiday participants.
And ... If shopping is recreation, then North Conway with its scores of factory outlets and no-tax policy qualifies as a major diversion.
The Cranmore Sports Club runs an adventure camp for children ages 5-12 from early July to late August. It includes tennis, gymnastics, swimming, crafts, hiking and more and can be arranged daily or weekly. For more information and prices, call 800-786-6754, ext. 5.
The most frequently chosen lodging is the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, beautifully situated below the rocky face of White Mountain and surrounded by woods and a 9-hole golf course. Some of the optional meals are served there, and it has a tavern. It also has a heated swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, its own fitness center, saunas, a single hard tennis court, and coin-operated washer-dryers for guests' use. Hiking trails into the mountains begin at the property's edge. One modest disadvantage is that it lies several miles from the Sports Center on the opposite side of town and thus requires you to commute back and forth.
The alternative is to stay in one of the condos near the Sports Center. Large and well appointed, these have full kitchens, fireplaces, washer-dryers, and outside decks. The condo complex also has its own swimming pool. Breakfast is not included if you stay in a condo.
The final option is the Spruce Moose Lodge & Cottages, a delightful two-story clapboard bed-and-breakfast with gables and porches. It is conveniently located about half a mile from the racquet club and is run by a congenial couple, Leon and Nellie Filip. Pets welcome.
The package includes the option adding on dinner each night, hosted by one of the pros at different local restaurants, including a seafood buffet at the White Mountain Hotel, "Country European" cuisine at Maestro's in town, and excellent pub food at Delaney's.
If you're looking for an all-day tennis camp with lots of social atmosphere, also check out any of the following:
Rates on request.
Seasons. The programs at Cranmore run from May to mid September.
Travel Instructions. The nearest airport is Portland, Maine, an hour and 15 minutes' drive to the south. NETH can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and make sure you have a ride back and forth from you lodging to the courts and dinner, but in truth you'll probably be happier with the freedom that comes with having your own transportation.
General Tourist Information. Visit the New Hampshire Office of Travel & Tourism web site or contact them at 172 Pembroke, P.O. Box 1856, Concord, NH 03302. Phone: 603-271-2343 or 800-FUN-IN-NH.