Twenty-four people showed up for a social round-robin on a Monday morning during my last visit to Waterville Valley Resort. The fee was $2/person for members and Waterville pass-holders to cover the cost of balls. Pairings were done by handing out playing cards: as a red 3 I played with another red 3 against the two black threes, and before the morning ended I’d played with or against most of the other players, most of whom seemed to be locals or second home owners.
Terraced into a grassy hillside and surrounded by forested mountains, Waterville’s 18 red-clay courts rank, among the most beautiful places I’ve played. The resort encourages guests to take advantage of the tennis and many other outdoor activities by offering a special “Summer Unlimited” package through several of the lodges and condominiums. The pass that comes with it affords everyone in the room complimentary access to everything from tennis and golf to bike rentals, athletic club facilities, watersports on the pond, the chairlift to the top of the mountain (where there are hiking and mountain biking trails), and even ice skating. With so much recreation available, it’s comforting not to have to think about cost each time you take up an activity.
The resort itself huddles in the valley. At its core stands a Town Square, a collection of shops and restaurants set beside a pond that spills over a rocky flume into a creek. Inns, lodges, and condo complexes fan out around it.
Not many resorts can trace their enthusiasm for tennis back more than a century. Waterville Valley still has the red-clay court that first lured players to this part of New Hampshire’s White Mountains as long ago as 1884. Now a sunken stadium with grassy berms, it has been in continuous use ever since. What has changed over the last century is the size of its complex: now there are 18 red-clay courts and another two synthetic grass indoors at the nearby Athletic Club. Tennis remains, after more than 110 years, a reason to visit. Tennis director Tom Gross, Jr., who trained with Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, and Lew Hoad among other legends, owns the tennis complex and the Athletic Club and runs it with an eye to satisfying the families of avid players who vacation there during New Hampshire’s glorious summers and fall.
Tennis Staff: Born in New England, Gross showed considerable talent as a child, winning his first tournament at age 6 and then going on to play for New England College while majoring in creative writing and history. But his love of teaching tennis determined his direction. “I made a commitment at 14, 15 years old to teach,” he remembers. “While friends of mine were playing the New England juniors, I was teaching.” During the tennis boom, he first taught for Laver-Emerson Tennis Holidays and then became its national director when Emerson left. He still employs much of their methodology in his teaching and clinics. He tends to focus on such things as preparation, contact, and follow-through r”ather than on the intricate details of technique. His first question for anyone taking a lesson is often “what’s your playing schedule?” That answer determines his approach to teaching. “If someone plays only once a week, then you have to be careful to take what they have an make them better,” Gross notes. “If they have time to practice, then you can be a little more creative.” Above all strives to keep it fun.
Tennis Programs: Each morning during the summer the tennis center schedules 90-minute clinics for adults and juniors. Those are followed by well-attended adult round robins, which take place daily, and by another for juniors, which takes place three times a week. Game matching tends to be rather more perfunctory: there is a “Looking for a Game” board and when pressed the staff may try to help but tends to rely more on natural selection of the clinics and round robins to bring guests together. There is some kind of tournament almost every summer weekend. The pro shop, a tiny timber structure with a deck overlooking the courts, has all the services you’re likely to need. For details about the programs, see Waterville Tennis.
Court fees: No charge for those on “Summer Unlimited” packages; otherwise, $50/hour for singles, $50 for 90 minutes of doubles.
Waterville Valley Resort is also home to New England Tennis Holidays at Waterville, which offers 2-to-5-day tennis camps from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
Off Court
Golf Courses: The resort has a 9-hole golf course, which winds around the valley floor; however guests also have privileges at the public Owl’s Nest Golf Course in Thornton, roughly a dozen miles away. Designed by Cornish, Silva & Mungeam, Inc., this 6,818-yard, par 72 championship course follows the natural topography of the Pemigewasset River and the White Mountain National Forest. It has five sets of tees on each hole, bentgrass fairways and manicured greens, which makes it accessible to golfers of any skill level.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Athletic Club has swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, an indoor jogging track, and a selection of weights and cardiovascular equipment. Massages are also available.
Kayaks, pedal boats, and canoes are available for use on Corcoran’s Pond, there are mountain bike trails and a mountain-bike park, an ice-skating rink, hiking trails to the summits of the valley’s 4,000-foot peaks, and a gymnasium for basketball and indoor floor hockey.
Children's programs: Waterville runs a summer recreation camp for children ages 4 to 16. Activities vary by age, including some specifically for teens. The resort also operates a free valley-wide shuttle bus to make getting around easy.
Dining: There are half a dozen places to eat in Waterville, from delis and pizzerias to seafood and steaks in the Wild Coyote Grill at the Athletic Club
Accommodations
Rooms in Waterville Valley range from simple accommodations for 2 in a country inn to 3-bedroom condos capable of sleeping 6.
Getting there
Seasons: The outdoor tennis season runs from June through October, though play is possible indoors year-round.
Travel Instructions: The nearest airport is Manchester, NH, 70 miles to the south. Other options are: Boston, 130 miles; Montreal, 225 miles; and New York, 325 miles.
great tennis pro. beautiful surroundings. helpful staff. 18 fabulous clay courts. delicious restaurants. hiking and biking
MF
Beautiful setting with clay courts and plenty of activities beyond tennis for everyone in the family.
SC
The most amazing place I have ever played tennis! I will go back here for the rest of my life.
KC
Beautiful courts in a beautiful setting in the NH White Mountains
KB
Beautiful views, great access to courts, clay!!
LY
Great composition courts (easy on the legs), daily morning doubles round robin, beautiful setting. All positive.
EM
Wonderful pro tom gross
FF
Great little New England village setting surrounded by National Forest and The beautiful White Mountains. 18 clay courts and plenty to do off court. Go there!
BF
Great scenery, 18 clay courts, superb pro and staff, good restaurants
AS
Great people working in Waterville Valley. Loved the clay courts. Excellent recreation opportunities there.
FC
Beautiful setting, well maintained courts, great instuction. This is the ideal tennis resort!
DH
Great views, immaculate facilities & expert instruction make this resort a top-notch experience. What it comes down to for us, though is “if the kids are happy, so are we”. We’ll be back . . .
BH
This place has everything!The best views in the world,great lodging,close to the wilderness but only 2 hours from Boston.A true shangra-la experience.
PP
The tennis program is the best we have ever experienced! My daughter Phoebe has played for several years in the junior clinic and now adult clinic. The training and friendships that she has made will last a life time, we are Summer residences and look forward every year to coming back and seeing Tom.
JF
Can always get a partnet to play against or with. Views unbeatable from the clay courts. Teaching pro is the best – will improve every aspect of your game. Everyone there had been there before – the sign of a great resort.
RT
I loved the resort! I set my children up with the junior pro Patrick and they loved him. They spent a month working in his clinics and my husband and I spent a month working with the head pro Tom Gross. THe resort is amazing and we highly recommend it! Great Job!
PF
No weaknesses, all great!!!
RG
PERFECTION! of course the word reflects various degrees depending on your perspective, but if you are looking for stunning scenery that at first glance creates jaw dropping awe, a community of the friendliest tennis folks you have ever met, 18 beautifully cared for red clay courts, a friendly voice from the club house (Sarah), and a man that was not only mentored by the greats of the game (Laver and Emerson) but is a guy that truly is passionate about tennis and passing his knowledge along, then perfection will do just fine. I do not represent anyone or any business in this resort, as a matter of fact it was my very first trip to Waterville Valley. But what was very evident is that Tom Gross can offer you the same level of knowledge you can find at any large academy, except that when you pay his more than reasonable fees, you have him one on one – a man that watched, studied, learned from and played countless hours of tennis with the greats Rod Laver and Roy Emerson, not to mention many others. Tom is friendly, sincere, and truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. The tennis community – you will never have to look far for a game. The tennis scene in Waterville will wrap its arms around you and take care of you – that is just the type of host they are. If you are looking for a juniors program, that is also available. The local amenities and other activities will ensure you and everyone in the family gets a good nights sleep – there are pools, endless hiking trails, kayaking, an ice rink, fitness center, youth camp, etc. Boredom DOES NOT LIVE IN THE VALLEY, there is just no time or space for it. If you are a foodie get to the Coyote Grill! Sean rocks in the kitchen, and the wine list is an amazing selection on par w/any you’ll find in the fine restaurants on Charles St in Boston?!! For a bit of sports, beer, and banter there is Legends – the Valley sports bar, and the Pizza Company in the town square offers the best NYC style pizza north of Long Island. If you are a sole traveller, a couple looking for a romantic get away, or a family looking for a safe place to spread out and enjoy time together but also separately, don’t take my word for it – give it a try. If that doesn’t attract you – how can you resist – 18 RED CLAY COURTS!!!!!!!!!!”
JH
A beautiful weekend of perfect weather, lots of tennis and Roscoe Tanner as a special guest instructor made our experience one to remember. Kurt, Roz and Roscoe kept us focused and entertained as we filled our days with enough repetition to be helpful but also enough variety to keep it interesting. The tennis was definitely the highpoint with the weather and surroundings a close second. The accommodations at the Valley Inn were convenient but in need of updating. Food options were good, not great, so when we come back, we will opt to arrange for our own lodging and food rather than the package. All in all it was a very satisfying experience and one we would recommend.
Tom Gross is an excellent teacher and really helped my wife Pam and me with our games. We will definitely go back to Waterville Valley at some point in the future, particularly since we can get a timeshare there.
BS
Outstanding resort, magnificant clay tennis courts surrounded by gorgeous mountains with very friendly people.
JD
Wonderful resort,excellent courts,facilities and Tom is a great coach
GP
Outstanding facility, location and people. Relaxed environment with expert staff.
NJ
Just wonderful. Beautiful clay courts in a well kept setting. Tennis instruction is world class by pro Tom Gross. Round robbins available daily. Two indoor courts if it rains
KW
It tis great. Scenery is beautiful. No weaknesses.
AK
Strenghts: family oriented,friendly people, outstanding tennis facilities and excellent tennis lessons from Tom Gross. Weakness: the fly’s in the spring are horrible and they bite and leave hugh welts
CY
Waterville Valley is an unbelievable resort. It is a perfect getaway for any family with plenty of activities to keep everyone involved. The scenery is picturesque in every season. The clay tennis courts are situated in a beautiful place surrounded by the White Mountains. The staff at Waterville Tennis Center is both helpful and enthusiastic.
DK
Great clay tennis courts, very well maintained, beautiful surroundings
RC
Great red clay courts with amazing vistas.
EC
Strengths -great instructors – successfully targeted individual levels. Weaknesses – no indoor facility no water
KC
18 beautiful clay courts in a very beautiful setting in the White Mountains. Lots of tennis enthusiasts
AG
Great setting in the mountains, perfect temperature for tennis on beautiful clay courts. There are people always wAnting to put together a game.
PW
Awesome tennis program for kids and adults, well managed and outstanding instructional program
MA
Absolutely phenomenal in every sense of the word. The setting is un-rivaled! Beautiful red clay court surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. A happy friendly and competent staff, super social players, and the regions very best instructor without a doubt. Experience Waterville Valley Tennis Center ASAP!
RF
Generally well maintained Red clay courts. No court side water so bring a bottle but the atmosphere is relaxed without a dress code accept for tennis shoes. On a nice NH summer day, it cannot be beat!
CN
Great clay courts, beautiful weather spring thru fall, and lots of other stuff to keep you busy in the evenings/days off. Very cool place.
NG
The instruction is top-notch. I have improved a great deal and owe it to what I have learned here at Waterville Valley. In addition, I have never played in outdoor courts with a more beautiful view that those here in the Valley.
MH
Fabulous Family Vacation, we have been visiting the resort for the past 10 years, my kids love it. The tennis is very competitive but friendly. A true gem, we feel fortunate to live close enough to drive up most weekends, family circumstances meant we could visit last summer, a huge disappointment.
DS
18 Red clay. Spectacular mountain views. Cool breezes. Professional friendly staff. User-friendly programs.
SG
Lots of tennis on these 18 clay courts. Round robin every day. Lessons with Tom Gross are great. Also daily clinics with him for all levels. I so enjoyed visiting WV and playing lots of tennis.
MG
Was there over school break with my family and one other family. My daughter and her friend took several private lessons w/ Tom Gross and had a great learning experience! The staff was very nice and cheerful. Will be back next year!
CB
Like finding Shangri-La. I got to play tennis while my family romped around the Valley. Their “Summer Unlimited” all-inclusive is fantastic!
DB
Beautifullocation. Valley surrounded by mountains. Hiking. trout fishing. mountain bike trails,16 clat courts, two indoor courts. Massage, spa, weight room. Scenic 9-hole golf course. 18 hole championship course 13 miles away.
PF
Easily the most beautiful place to play tennis in New England. Clay courts are wonderful.
MP
I attended this camp in August 2009, Sujay and his team are excellent instructors who could adapt their instruction to many different levels that were present at the camp. Instruction ran from basic stroke mechanics, video taping, live ball drills, as well as some tactics and mental game discussion. The instructors were a lot of fun to work with, making the camp both challenging and fun. The two things to keep in mind: 1) It’s a lot of hours on court for one weekend, be prepared; 2) It’s hot in Denton in August, they have lots of water but I was using a lot of sports drinks too. I’d highly recommend this program for an intensive and fun weekend working on your game.
ES
This is a fantastic tennis resort, and a great resort in general for families. I’ve been going there for years and it tops all other places I have been to for scenery, quality of service, variety of offerings and just all around excellence. Waterville Valley is a unique place and well worth a visit.
KL
Great vacation spot!! Beautiful area and so many things to do.
SB
The Waterville Valley Resort reminded me life is too short not to play. This is by far the best resort for me and my family. Everything was just so great thank you.
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350 Reviews on “Waterville Valley Resort”
great tennis pro. beautiful surroundings. helpful staff. 18 fabulous clay courts. delicious restaurants. hiking and biking
Beautiful setting with clay courts and plenty of activities beyond tennis for everyone in the family.
The most amazing place I have ever played tennis! I will go back here for the rest of my life.
Beautiful courts in a beautiful setting in the NH White Mountains
Beautiful views, great access to courts, clay!!
Great composition courts (easy on the legs), daily morning doubles round robin, beautiful setting. All positive.
Wonderful pro tom gross
Great little New England village setting surrounded by National Forest and The beautiful White Mountains. 18 clay courts and plenty to do off court. Go there!
Great scenery, 18 clay courts, superb pro and staff, good restaurants
Great people working in Waterville Valley. Loved the clay courts. Excellent recreation opportunities there.
Beautiful setting, well maintained courts, great instuction. This is the ideal tennis resort!
Great views, immaculate facilities & expert instruction make this resort a top-notch experience. What it comes down to for us, though is “if the kids are happy, so are we”. We’ll be back . . .
This place has everything!The best views in the world,great lodging,close to the wilderness but only 2 hours from Boston.A true shangra-la experience.
The tennis program is the best we have ever experienced! My daughter Phoebe has played for several years in the junior clinic and now adult clinic. The training and friendships that she has made will last a life time, we are Summer residences and look forward every year to coming back and seeing Tom.
Can always get a partnet to play against or with. Views unbeatable from the clay courts. Teaching pro is the best – will improve every aspect of your game. Everyone there had been there before – the sign of a great resort.
I loved the resort! I set my children up with the junior pro Patrick and they loved him. They spent a month working in his clinics and my husband and I spent a month working with the head pro Tom Gross. THe resort is amazing and we highly recommend it! Great Job!
No weaknesses, all great!!!
PERFECTION! of course the word reflects various degrees depending on your perspective, but if you are looking for stunning scenery that at first glance creates jaw dropping awe, a community of the friendliest tennis folks you have ever met, 18 beautifully cared for red clay courts, a friendly voice from the club house (Sarah), and a man that was not only mentored by the greats of the game (Laver and Emerson) but is a guy that truly is passionate about tennis and passing his knowledge along, then perfection will do just fine.
I do not represent anyone or any business in this resort, as a matter of fact it was my very first trip to Waterville Valley. But what was very evident is that Tom Gross can offer you the same level of knowledge you can find at any large academy, except that when you pay his more than reasonable fees, you have him one on one – a man that watched, studied, learned from and played countless hours of tennis with the greats Rod Laver and Roy Emerson, not to mention many others. Tom is friendly, sincere, and truly one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
The tennis community – you will never have to look far for a game. The tennis scene in Waterville will wrap its arms around you and take care of you – that is just the type of host they are. If you are looking for a juniors program, that is also available. The local amenities and other activities will ensure you and everyone in the family gets a good nights sleep – there are pools, endless hiking trails, kayaking, an ice rink, fitness center, youth camp, etc. Boredom DOES NOT LIVE IN THE VALLEY, there is just no time or space for it.
If you are a foodie get to the Coyote Grill! Sean rocks in the kitchen, and the wine list is an amazing selection on par w/any you’ll find in the fine restaurants on Charles St in Boston?!! For a bit of sports, beer, and banter there is Legends – the Valley sports bar, and the Pizza Company in the town square offers the best NYC style pizza north of Long Island.
If you are a sole traveller, a couple looking for a romantic get away, or a family looking for a safe place to spread out and enjoy time together but also separately, don’t take my word for it – give it a try. If that doesn’t attract you – how can you resist – 18 RED CLAY COURTS!!!!!!!!!!”
A beautiful weekend of perfect weather, lots of tennis and Roscoe Tanner as a special guest instructor made our experience one to remember. Kurt, Roz and Roscoe kept us focused and entertained as we filled our days with enough repetition to be helpful but also enough variety to keep it interesting. The tennis was definitely the highpoint with the weather and surroundings a close second. The accommodations at the Valley Inn were convenient but in need of updating. Food options were good, not great, so when we come back, we will opt to arrange for our own lodging and food rather than the package.
All in all it was a very satisfying experience and one we would recommend.
Amazing Place. Friendly, professional, fun, exciting.
Tom Gross is an excellent teacher and really helped my wife Pam and me with our games. We will definitely go back to Waterville Valley at some point in the future, particularly since we can get a timeshare there.
Outstanding resort, magnificant clay tennis courts surrounded by gorgeous mountains with very friendly people.
Wonderful resort,excellent courts,facilities and Tom is a great coach
Outstanding facility, location and people. Relaxed environment with expert staff.
Just wonderful. Beautiful clay courts in a well kept setting. Tennis instruction is world class by pro Tom Gross. Round robbins available daily. Two indoor courts if it rains
It tis great. Scenery is beautiful. No weaknesses.
Strenghts: family oriented,friendly people, outstanding tennis facilities and excellent tennis lessons from Tom Gross. Weakness: the fly’s in the spring are horrible and they bite and leave hugh welts
Waterville Valley is an unbelievable resort. It is a perfect getaway for any family with plenty of activities to keep everyone involved. The scenery is picturesque in every season. The clay tennis courts are situated in a beautiful place surrounded by the White Mountains. The staff at Waterville Tennis Center is both helpful and enthusiastic.
Great clay tennis courts, very well maintained, beautiful surroundings
Great red clay courts with amazing vistas.
Strengths -great instructors – successfully targeted individual levels. Weaknesses – no indoor facility no water
18 beautiful clay courts in a very beautiful setting in the White Mountains. Lots of tennis enthusiasts
Great setting in the mountains, perfect temperature for tennis on beautiful clay courts. There are people always wAnting to put together a game.
Awesome tennis program for kids and adults, well managed and outstanding instructional program
Absolutely phenomenal in every sense of the word. The setting is un-rivaled! Beautiful red clay court surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. A happy friendly and competent staff, super social players, and the regions very best instructor without a doubt. Experience Waterville Valley Tennis Center ASAP!
Generally well maintained Red clay courts. No court side water so bring a bottle but the atmosphere is relaxed without a dress code accept for tennis shoes. On a nice NH summer day, it cannot be beat!
Great clay courts, beautiful weather spring thru fall, and lots of other stuff to keep you busy in the evenings/days off. Very cool place.
The instruction is top-notch. I have improved a great deal and owe it to what I have learned here at Waterville Valley. In addition, I have never played in outdoor courts with a more beautiful view that those here in the Valley.
Fabulous Family Vacation, we have been visiting the resort for the past 10 years, my kids love it. The tennis is very competitive but friendly. A true gem, we feel fortunate to live close enough to drive up most weekends, family circumstances meant we could visit last summer, a huge disappointment.
18 Red clay. Spectacular mountain views. Cool breezes. Professional friendly staff. User-friendly programs.
Lots of tennis on these 18 clay courts. Round robin every day. Lessons with Tom Gross are great. Also daily clinics with him for all levels. I so enjoyed visiting WV and playing lots of tennis.
Was there over school break with my family and one other family. My daughter and her friend took several private lessons w/ Tom Gross and had a great learning experience! The staff was very nice and cheerful. Will be back next year!
Like finding Shangri-La. I got to play tennis while my family romped around the Valley. Their “Summer Unlimited” all-inclusive is fantastic!
Beautifullocation. Valley surrounded by mountains. Hiking. trout fishing. mountain bike trails,16 clat courts, two indoor courts. Massage, spa, weight room. Scenic 9-hole golf course. 18 hole championship course 13 miles away.
Easily the most beautiful place to play tennis in New England. Clay courts are wonderful.
I attended this camp in August 2009, Sujay and his team are excellent instructors who could adapt their instruction to many different levels that were present at the camp. Instruction ran from basic stroke mechanics, video taping, live ball drills, as well as some tactics and mental game discussion. The instructors were a lot of fun to work with, making the camp both challenging and fun. The two things to keep in mind: 1) It’s a lot of hours on court for one weekend, be prepared; 2) It’s hot in Denton in August, they have lots of water but I was using a lot of sports drinks too.
I’d highly recommend this program for an intensive and fun weekend working on your game.
This is a fantastic tennis resort, and a great resort in general for families. I’ve been going there for years and it tops all other places I have been to for scenery, quality of service, variety of offerings and just all around excellence. Waterville Valley is a unique place and well worth a visit.
Great vacation spot!! Beautiful area and so many things to do.
The Waterville Valley Resort reminded me life is too short not to play. This is by far the best resort for me and my family. Everything was just so great thank you.
Great clinic. I learned a lot