Vermont isn’t the first place most people think of when planning a tennis trip, but maybe it should be. Between the cooler summer temperatures, the mountain scenery, and a handful of resorts that take their courts as seriously as their ski slopes, Vermont has quietly become a great destination for players of every level. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back weekend of doubles with friends or a full-on training camp with a certified coach, there’s a resort here that fits.

Check out five of the best tennis resorts in Vermont, including options with family-friendly water parks and a dedicated tennis academy with a real coaching pedigree.

The Essex Resort & Spa (Essex Junction, Vermont)

The Essex Resort & Spa is known for a few reasons: its spa, its acclaimed on-site cooking school, and its six outdoor Har-Tru clay tennis courts. It’s a resort that leans into relaxation and indulgence, making it a great fit for guests who want tennis to be one enjoyable piece of a broader wellness-focused trip.

Guests can book court time for a casual match, then head to the spa or a cooking class the same afternoon. Court access is included at no extra charge for guests as part of the resort’s amenities, and guests can arrange private lessons independently. This combination of tennis, food, and relaxation is part of what makes The Essex stand out from other properties on this list. It doesn’t try to be a tennis-first destination, but it doesn’t skimp on quality either.

Tennis courts: 6 outdoor Har-Tru clay courts

Tennis programs/clinics: No structured camp or clinic series; courts are available for guest use, with private lessons arranged independently

The setting near Essex, Vermont, also puts guests within reach of Burlington, adding some flexibility for day trips if the resort itself starts to feel too relaxing to leave.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Jeffersonville, Vermont)

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is built with families in mind, and its tennis offerings fit right into that philosophy. Alongside its six outdoor clay courts and four dedicated pickleball courts, the resort is known for its five water parks spread across the property, an indoor FunZone, and extensive kids’ programs that keep every age group entertained.

Tennis here is approachable rather than intense, a great option for families who want to introduce kids to the game or enjoy a few casual sets without the pressure of formal lessons. Programs include an Early Risers Clinic for ages 5 to 8, a Junior Tennis Camp for ages 7 to 17, a New to Tennis Beginner Clinic for teens and adults just starting out, weekday Tennis Drills for intermediate to advanced adult players, and private and semi-private instruction for guests who want one-on-one attention. The resort’s broader amenities mean tennis doesn’t always have to be the main event; it’s simply one more activity to do during a packed family vacation.

Tennis courts: 6 outdoor clay courts

Tennis programs/clinics: Early Risers Clinic (ages 5–8), Junior Tennis Camp (ages 7–17), New to Tennis Beginner Clinic, weekday Tennis Drills for intermediate/advanced adults, private and semi-private instruction

For parents especially, the resort’s reputation for supervised kids’ activities means there’s flexibility to sneak away for a match while the rest of the family is occupied elsewhere on the property.

Stratton Mountain Resort (Stratton Mountain, Vermont)

Best known as a ski destination, Stratton Mountain Resort transforms into a lively tennis hub once the snow melts. The resort has long been associated with tennis in Vermont, offering a mix of outdoor clay and hard courts, plus indoor hard courts through the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, letting guests play rain or shine, and right through the winter.

Beyond just courts, Stratton offers clinics, camps, and a well-stocked pro shop for players who want to brush up on their game or pick up new gear. Programming runs through the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School and includes daily Cardio Tennis sessions, group clinics for adults and juniors, private and semi-private lessons, and the Mountain Strong Tennis Academy, a five-day program for competitive players ages 10 to 18. The resort’s tennis programs are designed to accommodate everyone from beginners to more advanced players looking for structured practice.

Tennis courts: 6 red clay, 4 outdoor hard, 2 indoor hard

Tennis programs/clinics: Cardio Tennis, adult and junior group clinics, private and semi-private lessons, Mountain Strong Tennis Academy (ages 10-18), winter indoor clinics

What sets Stratton apart is its range of additional activities. Golf, mountain biking, and access to the base area’s shops and restaurants make it easy to fill a full day beyond the court. Because it’s a ski resort at heart, the property is also built for comfort, with spacious lodging and a village-style layout that’s easy to navigate with family in tow.

Topnotch Resort – Topnotch Tennis Academy (Stowe, Vermont)

If serious tennis is the goal, Topnotch Resort in Stowe is likely the top choice among tennis resorts in Vermont. The resort is home to the Topnotch Tennis Academy, a program with real coaching credibility and a reputation for helping players of all ages, from juniors to adults, sharpen their skills.

The academy offers more than 30 tennis programs, including private lessons, clinics, a Junior Tennis Academy for ages 3 to 18, and the USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis program, all supported by 10 total courts, four of them indoor, making it the largest indoor tennis complex of any resort in the Northeast. That means play isn’t limited by weather either. This is the resort to choose if the primary goal of the trip is genuine improvement rather than just casual games.

Tennis courts: 4 Har-Tru, 2 Hard, 4 Indoor Hard

Tennis programs/clinics: 30+ programs, including private lessons, group clinics, and Junior Tennis Academy

Tennis aside, Topnotch is also a full luxury resort, with a well-regarded spa and upscale amenities that make it easy to relax after a hard-fought match. It’s a strong pick for travelers who want the intensity of an academy experience balanced with resort-level comfort.

von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort (Stowe, Vermont)

Yes, this is the von Trapp family. The resort is owned and operated by descendants of the family made famous by The Sound of Music. That alone makes it a memorable stop, but the property also stands out as a scenic Vermont getaway with tennis on the menu.

Set against the rolling hills and alpine-style architecture of Stowe, the lodge features two red clay tennis courts (along with three pickleball courts) for guests who want to squeeze in a match between hikes or visits to the on-site brewery. The tennis program here is intentionally low-key: guests can book court time directly through the fitness center, sign out equipment free of charge, and arrange private lessons with the resort’s tennis instructor. It’s less about high-performance training and more about enjoying a game in a genuinely beautiful setting.

Tennis courts: 2 outdoor red clay courts

Tennis programs/clinics: Private lessons, court rentals, complimentary equipment

The lodge’s Austrian-inspired charm, paired with its network of hiking and cross-country trails, makes it a great choice for travelers who want their tennis vacation to feel more like a scenic escape than a training camp.

Quick Comparison

How to Choose the Right Tennis Resort in Vermont

With five solid options, the right pick really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after:

• Want structured coaching or academy-level training? Topnotch Resort’s Tennis Academy is the clear standout.
• Traveling with kids and want built-in entertainment beyond the court? Smugglers’ Notch or Stratton Mountain Resort offers the most family-oriented amenities.
• Looking for a romantic or relaxation-focused trip? The Essex Resort & Spa or von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort lean into scenery and spa culture over intensive training.
• Want a bit of everything, including golf, biking, and tennis? Stratton Mountain Resort covers the most ground.
• Indoor courts matter to you (in case of rain or cooler weather)? Stratton and Topnotch both offer indoor options, which the others on this list don’t emphasize as heavily.

Best Time to Visit Vermont for Tennis

Summer (June through early September) is the sweet spot for outdoor tennis in Vermont, with warm days and cool evenings that make for comfortable play. Late spring and early fall are also worth considering, since the courts are quieter, and fall in particular brings Vermont’s famous foliage into the mix. For guests who don’t want the weather to be a factor at all, Stratton Mountain Resort and Topnotch Resort both offer indoor courts that keep the game going year-round.

Final Thoughts

Vermont’s tennis resorts each bring something different to the table, from Topnotch’s academy-level coaching to Smugglers’ Notch’s family-first approach. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be pairing your game with some of the best mountain scenery New England has to offer.

Have you stayed at one of these tennis resorts in Vermont? Leave a review for one of these resorts to help other travelers plan their own trip.