Stratton has a long if episodic association with tennis. The John Newcombe organization ran tennis camps there in the 1970s and ’80s and during that period it was the site of a Grand Masters tournament. Later, Andre Agassi first burst into national consciousness in 1986 when as a qualifier he reached the semifinals of the former Volvo International Tennis Championships, which was held at Stratton from 1985-89 (the event moved to New Haven when local property owners refused to allow the construction of a permanent tennis stadium), and Stratton briefly hosted the Acura U.S. Women’s Hardcourts Championships. In the 1984, it further enhanced its tennis credentials by building an impressive sports center with indoor courts, two racquetball courts, a complete fitness area, massage rooms, an indoor lap pool, and a fully equipped tennis and fitness shop. And the resort subsequently brought in the Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT) organization to manage the racquet-sports programming.
Tennis Staff: CDT’s Robert Menzies has run the racquet sports program since 2013. took over as tennis director late in 2013 after spending part of the summer there familiarizing himself with the program. A native New Zealander, he grew up playing tournaments, even qualifying for a national ranking, before committing to academics. He studied Sport and Recreation at the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, with a particular emphasis on coaching, nutrition, and sports psychology, and then joined CDT becoming head pro at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida before taking over at Stratton.
The roster of summer tennis option is diverse. There are daily clinics, open play session, and group and private lessons. Those looking for a more structured program can opt for the midweek or weekend tennis camps, which variously devote from 2½ to 5 hours a day of group instruction, live-ball drills, and match play. Groups and teams can tailor their own program.
Junior Tennis Camps and Academy: During the summer months, the facility hosts a large junior rackets camp that features tennis, pickleball, swimming, group games, and other activities. Targeted to 5- to 14-year-olds, the program runs midweek and weekends and is open to players of all levels (the on-court sessions are divided by age group and ability). Juniors who take there tennis more seriously can opt for the Stratton Mountain Academy. Geared to players 11 to 18, it takes a more focused approach, with lower student:pro ratios, private lessons, and instructive match-play sessions. Finally, Menzies has addressed underserved population of players: the 14 to 18-year-olds, especially those hoping to make their high school tennis team. Rather that funnel them into an adult camp, he created a Mountain Strong program specifically for them. It follows the same format and low student:pro ratios as the adult program, while giving teens an opportunity to get together with other teens, with tennis as the common language. “It proved very popular,” Menzies told me.
Court Complex: The sports complex consists of six red-clay courts, four outdoor with blended lines for pickleball, and two indoor tennis courts.
201 Reviews on “Stratton Mountain Resort”
I attended a one day clinic with 4 friends. We had morning and afternoon instruction from Scott. Our plan was to play some doubles with Scott observing, then have him comment on flaws he perceived in our games.
Scott is an excellent teacher. Everyone in our group felt this clinic was very helpful. Scott gave us general information which applied to all of us, as well as individual instructions which I found very helpful.
We attended in the winter, thus used the indoor courts. The facility is very nice. Everyone I met was helpful and kind. We all had a great day.
Day long clinic inside with Scott was excellent. He pointed out things I am doing wrong without realizing it. Had a very enjoyable day. Never too old to learn new tricks!
We love the tennis program at Stratton. In fact, its a difficult decision, on a beautiful winter day, to play cardio tennis or ski. The tennis camp and clinic in the Summer is a major draw for us. Don’t think we would spend as much time in VT if we didn’t have it. The kids love it too! Would recommend the program to anyone who loves tennis!
strength – personalization – quality of activity – location
Friendly and happy atmosphere. Great instructors. Staff is enthusiastic and programs are fun. The location is spectacular with beautiful scenery year round. Many other activities available for guests of all ages. A wonderful experience.
My husband and I both have taken private/group lessons and definately improved our play. Instructors are great and very personable making our experience great. Our daughters have either taken private lesson or participated in the summer camps and are starting to really enjoy tennis as a sport, which has been nice for us as parents to see..do not have to force them to play. Overall a very positive experience for our whole family
Great location at the ski resort with new lighting and painted ceiling. The surface is fast! The Pro and staff do a terrific job. I would highly recommend it.
I’ve been taking weekly lessons with 3 friends this winter.What a great experience.!!!!!! Scott, or instructor, has been excellent!!!!!!!I’ve taken lesson before, but never felt I learned as much as I have learned with Scott!!!!!!I will definetly continue with him this summer!!!!!
I visited the Stratton tennis school with my USTA team members. Scott was very professional and very helpful. He was able to give each of us individual tips, while also working on our team skills. We had alot of fun, while working hard. Highly recommend it!
This was the second time I have attended Cliff Drysdale Tennis School at Stratton and worked with Scott Colebourne. I have been to many tennis camps including Bollettieri and Total Tennis and Scott is the best instructor I have ever had. I attended Stratton with another member of my 4.5 team and Scott customized a program geared to what we wanted to work on. During a single weekend, we spent 8+ hours working on our games and drilling with Scott.
At many places, instructors might give a couple of tips, but what sets Scott apart is that he frequently reminded us of what we should focus on so that it was always on the top of our minds. Even when we were focusing on other aspects of our tennis game, Scott brought back each idea so that we could always keep his ideas on our mind. Scott even managed to arrange match with players of our level so that we could reinforce what we learned throughout the weekend. I highly recommend Scott and Stratton – you will be impressed with his attention to your game and quality of instruction.
This was the third time in the past two years that I have attended Stratton. Scott Colebourne, the Director of Tennis, is the best instructor I have ever had. I have attended camps as both a junior and adult at Killington, Total Tennis, Billy Stearn, Van der Meer, Bolletierri, Saddlebrook, and Evert. The instruction is very personalized and detailed.
At my level (high 4.5) there isn’t as many technical flaws or obvious weaknesses so many places just feed balls. At Stratton, we worked on both strategy (for singles and doubles) as well as minor adjustments to the stroke production. Scott was even able to find a local 4.5 player to practice our doubles with and give us pointers as part of a live demonstration.
As for the weaknesses, I would start by saying that Stratton is not easily accessible if you do not have a car. There is a lot of choices in terms of accommodations, but the cheapest choices are one or two star hotels (internet only in the main lounge) and the next step up is significantly more expensive. The Stratton Village has some good selections for food, but its still not as wide of a selection of cuisines as some people may be accustomed to and other towns with more options can be 15-25 minutes away. Overall, I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested in a tennis resort consider Stratton and Scott Colebourne.
My daughter, Ashley, had a blast in her program this summer. This is her second year. She really liked the instructors and their enthusiam.
The drills were challenging and designed that all levels of tennis players could participate. They made the tennis instruction fun as well as working to increase your tennis skills.
This tennis camp was wonderful! My daughter is 6 years old, and it was her first time playing tennis. The instructors were warm and friendly, had lots of energy, and were very professional. The skills she learned at camp during those weeks transferred over into other athletic areas, and I have seen wonderful results in her. She is also more interested and willing to try new sports now, something that she was not that excited about previously. The program provided a lunch, water bottles and t shirts among other things for the kids. It was a really well designed program and we plan to do it again this summer! Amazing!
This camp was outstanding! Scott and his staff worked so hard to keep my kids interested and dying to come back! The camp covered so many aspects of “tennis” but also fun competition, team building and conditioning. As always, I feel the price of camps could come down- or offer a better multi child or multi week discount. Other than that- my kids have never had a beeter time at camp!
My grandson and I have come for several years for the Junior Tennis Camp . 2010 was not a very good tennis age/scill matching for my grandson ( age 14 ). This should be addressed ….A very enthusiastic Teaching Staff is a positive .
The staff made learning and playing so much fun, especially the Friday night mixer. They found a way to provide individual help though in a group setting. They focused in on a couple things to transform my forehand.
This was our second year attending the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School at Stratton. The facility is outstanding, the instructors are great and have an encouraging teaching approach.
The adult clinics each morning are a great workout with a good diversity of working on skills and point play.
My son couldn’t wait to return to the junior camp program this year, and he had a fantastic experience again this year.
I highly recommend this tennis school.
The instructors were terrific for the junior program. They paid great attention, got the kids interested in and focusing on improving. Cannot say enough good things about the camp and the junior instruction program
My daughter attended a week-long youth day program this summer (and last) and enjoyed it very much. The staff were engaging, skilled and fun. She also felt the other campers in her group provided good competition during the drills. Her tennis skills clearly improved after her week at Stratton.
Big thanks to Joe, Billy and Scott at Stratton for helping me prepare for our Sectional Championship. I attended the adult camp and had a few private lessons which were critical in keeping me sharp for sectionals. we won are are off to Nationals in Oct. thanks guys!
A huge thank you to Extraordinary Scott Colebourne and his excellent staff, Lefty Sam, Righty Sam, Joe Bob, Dan and Billy for the most wonderful week of tennis camp. We loved every moment! The instruction was first rate. Everything was so well organized and perfectly executed. I felt challenged and encouraged. I learned even more than I anticipated I would. All of the guys were warm and supportive and fun and funny and utterly professional. The only minus was having to leave when our vacation was over…There is absolutely no doubt that we will return next summer – but next time we will extend our stay longer.
I have been spreading the word to all of my tennis pals back home, too. And my game has really improved since I’ve returned from camp – the ultimate testament to the success of the program. Thanks, Guys! We totally loved our tennis experience with you!!!
Fantastic camp. Walked away with an improved swing and fun memories. Highly recommended.
Great venue. Excellent “Kiwi” staff and instruction. Very intensive drills skills and strategies clinics and competitions. Lots of “team building” . Chalk talk with Cliff Drysdale himself! They had us the minute we walked in…it was fabulous! Unforgettable! Do it!
I recommend Stratton without hesitation. I just returned from five days there. The coaches have their acts together. They are knowledgable, experienced guys who know how to tailor their comments to the players. They enjoy themselves and keep things moving but still fun.
It was good for me. I had been to Saddlebrook, which was way too intense a bottcamp for 50+ year olds who just want to stay healthy and learn a few things. I came away from Stratton with a few good ideas for things to work on and my body still intact.
Cliff Drysdale was there on the weekend. He was charming and delightful and a wonderful story teller. he got to know all of the players personally and encouraged them with tennis tips and humor. The mountain setting is very attractive, the facilites very nice, and there are indoor courts if it rains. I enjoyed an incredibly cheap condo, with pool and hot tub, and ate very well in nearby Manchester.
Tennis: Fantastic facilities, beautiful backdrop, and some of the best tennis instruction I’ve had. Scott Colebourne was fantastic, as both the director for the program and as a couch. My friend and I signed up for a 3-day camp and wanted more of a “bootcamp” style session. Scott helped us customize our program that fit what we were looking for and suitable for our level (4.0/4.5). We also added additional private lessons to further customize the program. Scott made the process very easy, both before we arrived and while we were there.
Scott and Same were our instructors during the camp. Both of them are not only superb tennis players, but also superb instructors giving real guidance. I’ve had many tennis instructors in the past who were more focused on practicing for themselves or were just content feeding balls and not providing real direction. Scott helped me break down my strokes (even reconstructed my serve) and focused on identifying the key issues (sometimes they were just minor tweaks) that made the difference. From a tennis perspective, I could not have asked for anything more and exceeded my expectations.
As a junior, I’ve spent time at other “bootcamps” and this was equally intense and helpful (although more appropriate for an adult 15+ years beyond my junior years).
During my decision process before signing up for Stratton, I also considered and evaluated camps including: Saddlebrook (but decided against it because of weather), Topnotch Tennis Academy, NIKE Amherst, and Total Tennis. For the best combination of good tennis instruction, >4 hours a day of tennis, flexibility to eat a restaurants and on my own time (rather than cafeteria or dormatory style), reasonable accommodation (rather than dorm room), my friend and I decided on Stratton. Definitely no regrets and would sign up again without hesistation.
Accommodation: We stayed at the Inn at Stratton Mountain and booked their “deluxe” room. Definitely minimize your expectations as this is comparable to a 2-star Days Inn/Motel 6. It was, however, clean and servicable and quite close to the tennis center. Service was fine (although we didn’t ask for much) and no complaints otherwise.
Sports Center: Fantastic service, good pro shop, and a great fitness center (weights & cardio).
Others: We ate most of our meals at the Country Club (~5 mins drive from tennis courts) and also in their “village” area. Selection was not abundant because of summer hours but it was more than sufficient. Good food, prices, and service. Again, due to the summer hours, there wasn’t much of a nightlife or bar scene but it was not an issue for us. Lastly, there appears to be a lot of outdoor activities to do aside from tennis and golf but were were too tired/sore to actually do much else.
Overall, great experience and exceeded all my expectations. Would definitely go back.
Fun, low pressure atmosphere – great programs…
Participated in 4 hours of instruction over two days
My husband and I loved spending two-day weekend in August; great tennis, knowledgeable tennis pros…
Great atmosphere, combining professionalism and fun is, in my opinion, the key to a memorable getaway! Keep up the good work!
Great overall experience, enjoyed the one on one lessons as well as the group.
Great program for children and adults.
One of the best tennis schools I have ever attended.
The tennis facility is wonderful. The instruction is terrific. I have recommened the facility to many people.
Love the coaches, FUN and very good instruction. Love the cardio tennis !!
Great tennis school for all levels, young and old. Run by a solid group of people who make it fun and very challenging!
Excellent staff, facilities and Cliff Drysddale is really the fifth element.. He has a way of immediately helping you with your flaws and can raise your game.. Be sure to go when he makes his rounds.
I always come away from a lesson with something to improve my game. The people are nice, scenery beautiful – Scott has created a truly great program for both locals and visitors.
Best tennis camp experience for all levels of players. Great staff that makes a group program and almost individual program. They really try HARDER and make it a Rock Solid experience. We will be back this year.
Enthusiastic and friendly pros. I am a new player and was given lots of encouragement. I definitely feel that I am learning and improving. Scott and his pros bring so much fun to the learning process. The instruction is very clear and they help you improve any weaknesses without letting you get frustrated.
the instruction was first rate; lots of attention to detail…my sons are high school varsity players, and were able to get a lot of the lessons.
Attending the Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Stratton was by far my best expierence The staff was knowledgeable and took three of my grandchildren 12 11 & 10 and had them playing the next day and totally got them hooked on Tennis in two days This i the best school I ever attended and believe I have benn to my share of Schhols
I thought the instruction was exceptional. The staff is very personable and attentive and takes the time to work with each player honing his/her talents, strenghtening areas of weakness, and, especially for those of us who are in the older age bracket, making the most of our abilities
I love CDT at Stratton, Scott does a great job with his prgrams and his staf are professional and a pleasure. It does not matter if you are 4yrs old or 80!
This was my daughters first year at a week long Tennis Camp. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Just the right mix of instruction, court time, fun and swimming. My only suggestion is to provide parents with an outline of what the children worked on at camp and suggestions for continued practice.
Scott and his team are incredible. We have young children, this was their first sports camp away from home (we were on vacation at Stratton). The team really worked well together, and got our kids focused upon the game of tennis. It was a great experience for all.
I participated in the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy for one week during the month of August for my summer vacation. I did the tennis intensive everyday from 930-1200 and a daily lesson for one hour. The tennis pros were excellent, very informative and great players. I felt like I got very good personal attention in a group setting and worked on my strokes and match play. It was very physical, hard work which I really enjoyed and I really improved my game. Highly Reccommend the program.
Just returned from a terrific weekend of tennis with legend Cliff Drysdale and his great staff of pros. Travelling solo, I was grouped with 3 fantastic intermediate+ players. The pros were energetic, motivating, professional and fun.
Cliff was approachable, warm, supportive and nicely connected to the group. He suggested a slight grip change on my forehand and as I played with my regular group today they (& I!!) were stunned by some “rock solid” forehand winners! I got some help on Sunday with my always “iffy” serve and in play today I won my serve each time. I am thrilled!!!
The “resort” is a mish-mash of architectural styles. There is not much to do but since I am a tennis junkie I don’t really care. The food was very good at the two restaurants I tried and the Inn, though a bit down at the heels, was quiet and comfortable. The staff there was lovely.
I would highly recommend Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Stratton. The instruction was excellent and fun. The pros were attentive, gave constructive lessons, ran fast-paced, useful drills, and provided helpful feedback. I appreciated the fact that they did not try to completely change my game, but instead gave me key pointers for small changes I could easily make to improve my level of play. They taught with good cheer and good humor!
Scott is a terrific instructor and put together a great program specifically tailored to our group (4.5+) — the quality of instruction/feedback and structure of the drills was on par/better than any major tennis resort.