A waterfall cascades down the steep mountain slope behind the Vail Racquet Club at the east end of the Vail Valley. A dozen players had turned out for the morning clinic on the day I visited, spreading out across the three clay courts set in a frame of aspens and pines. Director Greg Wanner orchestrated the two-hour session, which began with a quick tip on doubles tactics as a prelude to two hours of round-robin doubles. Meanwhile, several of the five hard courts were taken up with matches or activities for juniors. The participants were a mix of members, guests staying in the racquet club condos, locals, and a group of women from Texas, the last draw by the cooler summers of the Rockies Mountains.
The setting aside, it is very peaceful at this end of the valley, separated from the bustle of Vail Village and noise of Interstate 70. Wanner has no problem filling his clinics and says he could easily do more than the three or four he offers each week if it weren’t for a need to balance the needs of guests and locals eager for tennis with those of members for whom these are home courts. So much of the rest of the time he gives private lessons or runs customized programs for groups, making himself available seven days a week if need be.
Wanner originally came to Vail to ski, giving up a career in pharmaceutical sales in his native New Jersey. Needing something to do in summer, he looked for opportunities to teach, falling back on his experience as a regionally ranked junior and high-school player at first before seeking training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida and the Sánchez-Casal Academy in Spain, eventually getting European, USPTA, and USPTR certifications. His approach reflects his own experience as a junior, where he did well in competition but turned to baseball because he wasn’t having that much enjoying it. “You’ve got to have fun,” he says. When he steps on the court his attitude is, How am I making people’s lives better? How can I make them smile? He’s joined by Danny Colten, a former Asuza Pacific University player, who both teaches and serves as a sparring partner for the bigger hitters.
Court Complex: Court time is free for all guests of the resort and can be reserved 24 hours in advance. There are four hard courts—two of which were completely redone in 2017—and three clay courts. The mountains go straight up from the courts and the fresh, clear Rocky Mountain air heightens your senses and elevates your game to a new level. There are three pickleball courts on the property. These also can be reserved 24 hours in advance of play and are free for all resort guests.
Courts Fees: None for resort guests
Caveat: During the off-peak summer months, groups sometimes reserve all the tennis courts. Before finalizing your booking, make sure to visit the website and check the “tennis courts” section to confirm their availability during your stay. This is a 22-acre resort complex in Vail Colorado is located in the wonderful, quiet neighborhood atmosphere of East Vail and offers mountain-side courts on an extensive condo property along Gore Creek. The resort has a full private health club facility, pool, and 3 hot tubs. See the website for the full list of amenities included with your condo rental. Vail Golf Course is 3 miles away from the resort. There is a massage-only Spa, and sauna and steam rooms are available within the locker rooms. Down the road (or bike path) from the resort is the iconic Vail Village.
Off Court
This is a 20+ acre Resort complex in Vail Colorado located in a wonderful, quiet neighborhood atmosphere in East Vail and offers mountain courts and extensive condo property along Gore Creek. Down the road from the resort is the iconic Vail Village. There's a full private health club facility, pool and 3 hot tubs at the resort. See their website for the full amenities included with your condo rental. Golf is 3 miles away from the resort. There is a massage-only Spa, and sauna and steam rooms are available within the locker rooms
Accommodations
Lodging consists of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos and 3-bedroom townhomes. 2- and 3-night minimums generally apply for the high-summer season reservations.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, but tennis and pickleball are seasonal.
Wonderful facility and beautiful surroundings. Courts in very good shape when our group of 32 tennis players were there. Going back with a larger group this year!
JB
Wonderful experience. Participated 2 years in a row for a tennis weekend. So fun!
CV
I have been to Vail Racquet Resort for several tennis getaways and always love coming here. Staff is friendly, the units are spacious and the setting is amazing. I can’t think of a better place to getaway for some fun tennis!
GB
Looking forward to our group setting up another event for 2023.
JV
I took private tennis lessons with Greg, the Director of tennis. He was absolutely AMAZING! In 2 short weeks, I improved significantly. Greg loves what he does, is patient and has the perfect drills to help you make the most of your time. The tennis courts are also well maintained and it’s a beautiful setting. LOVED it.
JM
They offer both clay and hard courts with amazing views of the mountain! Very quiet area and court time is FREE as a resort guest. No worries, I had NO problem getting a court!
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6 Reviews on “Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort”
Wonderful facility and beautiful surroundings. Courts in very good shape when our group of 32 tennis players were there. Going back with a larger group this year!
Wonderful experience. Participated 2 years in a row for a tennis weekend. So fun!
I have been to Vail Racquet Resort for several tennis getaways and always love coming here. Staff is friendly, the units are spacious and the setting is amazing. I can’t think of a better place to getaway for some fun tennis!
Looking forward to our group setting up another event for 2023.
I took private tennis lessons with Greg, the Director of tennis. He was absolutely AMAZING! In 2 short weeks, I improved significantly. Greg loves what he does, is patient and has the perfect drills to help you make the most of your time. The tennis courts are also well maintained and it’s a beautiful setting. LOVED it.
They offer both clay and hard courts with amazing views of the mountain! Very quiet area and court time is FREE as a resort guest. No worries, I had NO problem getting a court!