The draw for tennis players are the enthusiastically-run tennis camps, clinics, and social round robins, Guillaume Tonelli offers programs and events are open to anyone, regardless of where they stay. The calendar of weekly tennis activities reflects the social and very friendly atmosphere. Besides midweek and weekend clinics for adults and juniors, there is some kind of themed tennis event almost daily, whether it’s a pro exhibition with ice cream, a men’s or ladies’ day, a Brickyard classic with car races, or the popular margarita mixer, when the club supplies the tequila-laced drinks and appetizers. The resort also hosts the largest tournament on the lake, the Northstar Open, which takes place the weekend after Labor Day and typically gets 400-plus entries in its 12 divisions.
Tennis Staff: Tonelli played junior tennis in his native France before becoming a Division I college player and earning a degree in business. Currently coach of the University of Nevada women’s tennis team, he’d joined Northstar Tennis under former director Zeke Straw, so he seamlessly moves into running the operation. The active roster of weekly programs remains, supplemented now by four permanent pickleball courts. As needed he has other pros available locally.
Tennis Programs: Apart from private lessons and a few clinics, the major tennis draw at Northstar is its adult and junior tennis camps. Adults have a choice of two-day weekend packages or five-day midweek packages, each with 3 hours of group instruction each morning. Student:pro ratios may go as high as 6:1, but the instruction is solid and the altitude—6,000 feet above sea level—makes even half a day of drills more demanding than it would be at sea level.
Afternoons are then left free for more tennis (court time is free for those on packages) or for other recreation in the area. There are also several different programs for various age groups of children, including camps (which typically last 1½-2 hours each day), drill sessions, peewee clinics, and a 4-hour-a-day advanced camp for intermediate/advanced players. “I hire young, energetic and charismatic pros,” says Straw. “that’s crucial for kids.” To further encourage tennis-playing families, Northstar adds twice weekly social round robins, several parent-child events each summer, and occasional junior mixers. For a complete list and prices, check out the Northstar Tennis website.
In the past, I’ve also raved about the rec center located just below the courts. But access to its pools, whirlpools, fitness equipment, and game rooms is now restricted to those who rent through the Northstar Resort™ (see Lodging below). The same is true of the courts unless you’ve booked lessons, clinics, camps, or events through Straw.
Court Complex: Northstar has 8 hard courts on several terraces in the forest above the swim club and four pickleball court just below the club. The area smells of pine and you can hear the sound of a creek which runs along one side when it is not being drowned out by the excited cries of kids playing in and around the pool. The courts are anchored by a tennis pavilion with a pro shop (which carries a limited supply of shoes, clothing, and gear), a large shaded deck, gas grills, and some umbrella tables.
Altitude Caveat: The Northstar courts stands at just over 6,000 feet above sea level, which means you need to pay extra attention of hydration and the use of sunscreen. Expect to tire more quickly as well
68 Reviews on “NorthStar California - NorthStar Tennis”
I love to take lessons at Northstar. I’ve been going there for twelve years, and always learn something new. The courts are in a beautiful forest setting. The instruction by Guillaume Tonelli is fantastic. I always learn something new that gets me re-excited about my game. My husband loves taking lessons from him, too! He is the best teacher I’ve ever had. (I’ve been taking lessons for 50 years.)
The instructors are fantastic! Guillaume Tonelli is the best tennis pro I’ve ever had. He gives you great tips that especially targeted at improving your game. The courts are situated in a lovely part of NorthStar as well.
NorthStar Tennis Program was very high quality. This was my first experience with this tennis camp, and it exceeded my expectations, and far above other tennis clinics & camps I have experienced. Very organized, communicated quickly & clearly to my inquiries prior to camp, clinic days started promptly with attention to stretching & warmup to start, and the nonstop action with drills & technique. Highest compliments to the professional & talented coaching staff. Guillamne as camp director, is the consummate professional, yet warm and approachable He keys into his participants weaknesses & strengths quickly & adapts specific drills to those needs. And he makes it fun – mixing up drills & technique – keeps the group moving along with much variety – never boring for sure! His support staff – I usually had Cody or Jennifer – also excellent, and very people oriented as well as skilled tennis players. They seem to really enjoy the participants as people, as well as address their desire to improve tennis skills. The location at NorthStar resort can’t be beat – many courts, surrounded by towering pine trees, with a small but complete tennis pro shop & covered patio area to enjoy mid morning break. They even served ‘healthy’ snack offerings each day with fruit, eggs, cheeses, & other much appreciated snacks to replenish us after lively tennis sessions. I will be returning to NorthStar tennis camp this summer, and taking a group from my local tennis club with me. I have spoken so highly of the camp several friends are interested in joining me. Oh, and did I mention – my tennis game improved GREATLY during my week at camp, along with some follow-up single clinic teaching days. Highest compliments to Guillamne & his tennis program at NorthStar.
Had a wonderful experience here this last summer. The instruction was extremely professional yet very friendly and personable. My instructor Guillaume was very patient in helping me with my backhand and my game is better for it. Would totally recommend Northstar Tennis to anyone looking to improve their game.
Our experience at Northstar Tennis was exceptional. The setting is picturesque and charming and the courts are well maintained. Most importantly the staff is wonderful. They are friendly, welcoming and know how to ensure a good experience no matter what the level of tennis expertise. The tennis instructions was excellent. We had individuals in our group with minimal experience and those who played on tennis teams back home. Everyone was given individual things to work on and were provided encouragement throughout. The snacks provided for the tennis clinics were modest but delicious. The Friday margarita party after the clinic was a fun way to end the week. The pro shop was quaint, but had all the necessary equipment and supplies. Northstar village is a close walk and has many shops and eateries, making the overall experience exceptional.
Our experience at Northstar Tennis was exceptional. The setting is picturesque and charming and the courts are well maintained. Most importantly the staff is wonderful. They are friendly, welcoming and know how to ensure a good experience no matter what the level of tennis expertise. The tennis instructions was excellent. We had individuals in our group with minimal experience and those who played on tennis teams back home. Everyone was given individual things to work on and were provided encouragement throughout. The snacks provided for the tennis clinics were modest but delicious. The Friday margarita party after the clinic was a fun way to end the week. The pro shop was quaint, but had all the necessary equipment and supplies. Northstar village is a close walk and has many shops and eateries, making the overall experience exceptional.
NORTHSTAR TENNIS is a beautiful facility with a stunning setting and superb staff. Guillaume is the director and he runs an organized program as well as energetic and instructional clinics, resulting in NEXT LEVEL tennis. I cannot say enough about the tennis at Northstar ! Working with the pros there is highly informative and gets you thinking about things to move your game to new perfection ! This is a not-to-be-missed tennis experience !
Great resort, great tennis instruction, and a lot of fun!
This was a terrific tennis camp The instructors were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic
The pros were fantastic and it was so much fun. I would recommend this place to anybody that wants to learn and have a ton of fun.
Some of the best camps I have ever taken! Highly recommended!
Excellent program, well organized, adapted to group size change and abilities. Both pros were very upbeat, positive, and skilled. Good management of breaks. Overall excellent program!
Friendly, comfortable environment to work on improving your strokes. And the scenery is stunning, too. Great team — competent and caring!
Beautiful setting, very friendly staff, great energy, cogent tips, it leaves nothing to be desired! My teammates and I annually travel to this amazing tennis venue..
Northstar has a fantastic youth tennis program! The instructors are some of the best! They are patient with beginners and challenge the more advanced. My boys loved the program so much that they wanted to attend the tennis clinic every day on our Tahoe vacation. Looking forward to joining clinics again this summer!
Northstar’s tennis program is one of the best! Hidden up in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains Northstar offers incredible scenery to go along side their incredible tennis program. The tennis pro’s are so fun to train with! Even the kids get excited! The resort as a whole is out of this world too. So much to do on and off the court. 5 stars.
My tennis friends and I did a three day camp last August. It was amazing! Guillaume is a high-energy, enthusiastic instructor who can hone in on how a small change in your stroke, stance, or follow-through can change your game dramatically. He managed to keep us all engaged and moving at a fast paced clip. He is knowledgeable and funny and kind, even when he’s explaining what you are doing wrong. I cannot recommend this clinic more highly…just wish I could have stayed longer!
Beautiful setting in the Lake Tahoe area, range of activities to entertain the whole family, exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff!