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.
The program was very organized and welcoming. Felt like I was able to improve my skills.
JP
The tennis clinics by Tom Gross are outstanding. He gives phenomenal feedback and my strokes and general game-play really improved. He is encouraging and always keeps the drills engaging and challenging.
LB
I absolutely love Waterville Valley!! From the moment you arrive, you know you have entered a truly special village. It’s amazing to be able to find peace & tranquility while at the same time having so many activities available for people of all ages. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and accomodating. It is not heavily commercialized like other vacation spots which is refreshing today. I could spend all day, every day on the tennis courts! I thoroughly enjoy the private lessons and the tennis clinics run by Tom Gross, Jr. as he a great person and the best tennis coach! As far as I am concered, Waterville Valley is the gem of New England!
JK
At the Waterville Valley Resort, there is this awesome tennis pro, Tom Gross Jr. (USPTA), who can really teach tennis in a simple and easy way. Previously, I have been to various world-renowned tennis camps in Florida and Barcelona, Spain. Nevertheless, I find Tom Gross Jr. in Waterville Valley, NH to be the best pro I have ever met so far. Trust me: he really knows what he is doing. His explanation is very succinct, articulate, and easy to follow. I was also extremely impressed by the 14-year-old kid named Eddie who was ranked #1 in New England and, of course, taught by guess who? Tom Gross Jr. I wish Coach Tom Gross Jr. all the best in years to come.
AD
A low key experience in a gorgeous setting with excellent instruction from Tom. No better place to come in a pandemic than this locale for this sport. Fabulous. Looking forward to next time.
SG
Great, fun atmosphere. Friendly, knowledgeable pros. Great video assessments. A+ for all the pros. They know their stuff and work hard to improve your game.
CM
I attended the Tennis Camp for the first time. It was fantastic – the staff was very attentive and fun. They did a great job critiquing our volleys, forehands, backhands and serves. A very fun experience and I know it will definitely improve my tennis game!
PS
Tennis instruction at WV Resort is high energy and will improve your game immediately. Loads of courts, great instructors and a fun atmosphere. I wish I could be there every weekend.
JC
Tom Gross is an excellent coach. He knows his stuff. He’s personable, fun and great at what he does. He remembers peoples names which is just as important as his superb knowledge base.
KL
The area is beautiful. The tennis center is terrific- multiple clay courts in great condition. I took a group clinic and the coach was great. He pinpointed things i need to work but didn’t try to overhaul my game. He left my strengths alone and helped me improve my weaknesses. I would highly recommend Waterville Valley for a vacation and the tennis center is great fun.
BR
I loved every minute on the clay courts over looking the mountains at beautiful Waterville Valley! My private lesson with the assistant pro Nick was great and the numerous clinics I attended with Head Pro Tom were super fun, challenging and helpful at improving my game. I made some lovely new friends. I will ALWAYS schedule time for tennis on all my return trips to Waterville.
EP
You get off the main highway 93 and travel for 15 minutes where the road ends in a paradise named Waterville valley , set in a beautiful bowl in the white mountains of new hampshire There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, golf ( not available this summer as a visitor due to covid restrictions ) a ( very) small lake with boating and swimming , an athletic center with indoor and outdoor pools , exerciseroom and two indoor tennis courts and a small “town” center with a few nice shops and eateries. There is a small market but its best to stop at a supermarket before arriving to stock up on groceries For tennis players it is a bit of paradise with many clay tennis courts surrounded by impressive mountains everwhere you look . My husband and I joined two clinics with Tom Gross the head tennis pro and director . He is very friendly and gives a thoughtful analysis of your strokes with simple but helpful tips on how to make improvements without trying to change anything dramatic. There can be a variety of skill levels at the clinics so while Tom works it out quite well , I might choose to book semi private lessons when we come back in the future . If we had had more time there is a board where players leave messages so you can easily arrange games and there is a daily round robin available as well . Overall this place is a tennis players dream This is not a place for fancy food or dress, it is a place of restful beauty with ample opportunities for sport and leisure , one of our very favorites
GH
This is an extraordinarily beautiful setting, a valley enclosed by high peaks with only one way in and one way out. So there is a special sensibility to the place, a little bit of a lost horizon. In the middle of this there are 18 red clay courts, a beautiful 9 hole golf course and a cute miniature village. Biking, hiking, swimming abound. So it’s like being a kid again, a lucky kid. The tennis is first rate, led by Tom Gross and a very nice staff. Tom is an excellent teacher and very congenial to learn with, whatever one’s level. If you are looking for Four Seasons accommodations you are in the wrong place, and probably the wrong state and not amenable to the old northeast outdoor experience that this offers. Having said that, it appears some of the lodges do need updating. In addition, there could be a little more food choices, including perhaps one somewhat more upscale one. But it was also Covid at the time and that was very constraining. This is a very special place.
ES
Tom who is the pro at WV was professional and knowledgeable. Wish we planned more lessons with him. The resort is beautiful, sandwiched between mountain ranges, and there are lots of other activities including wonderful biking. We were with a group of friends so we were able to reserve courts and play. I think we all would have enjoyed participating in clinics during the week if they were offered. The round robin is organized by an affiliated group of locals on the weekend but there is nothing offered by the resort.
RB
Exceptional clinics. Tom Gross brings out the best in you, and after all this time I’m happy to say I have a net game and he re-tooled my serve so I enjoy playing again where I had given up. We vacationed here for years with our children and watched their tennis skills grow over time. Now we’ve gone back with our grandchildren and realized yet again what a wonderful program they have as we watched them play in he junior programs The town, facilities, pond, and pools surrounded by the White Mountains make this a great place. Hiking, mountain biking are right at your fingertips and mountain streams are abundant. Frankly don’t see any weaknesses. We had such a positive experience my wife and I are going back again next week for another round of clinics!
BP
Wow, to find a tennis resort with 18 red clay courts surrounded by beautiful mountains and a staff that was so friendly and helpful was awesome! My wife and I immediately joined some social groups to play mixed, she took multiple clinics, and I took private lessons with director Tom Gross. Each lesson with Tom was “spot on” in terms of suggesting improvements to my game. Final comment was we bought a second home 10 days after arriving for a 5 week vacation. Look forward to years of enjoyment at Waterville Valley Tennis Resort. Ranks at the top of tennis resorts I have experienced!
CL
I didn’t know what to expect being from Texas. I had an amazing experience and the mountains surrounding the tennis courts in the valley were calming and just surreal. Even on a warmer day you can just look up all around you and just be grateful to view the overall surroundings. The tennis clinics improved my game very quickly and met people who will continue to stay in touch for the next year. Tom Gross was the best no nonsense, motivating and consistent coach I have ever had the pleasure to work with…he was relentless to help me fix 2 key weaknesses that had held me back from reaching 3.5. I can still hear his coaching in my head everytime I hit my forehand. He never forgot any of our names and this man was booked solid 12 hours a day on the court. Great experience and energy in a beautiful area of the country surrounded by the White Mountains.
LG
Instructors are talented, fun, engaging, kind, and they always remember your name, too! Instruction is phenomenal and the ratio of pros to students is very good. You are most always playing or learning. The video recording used for additional instruction is extremely helpful. It is used on multiple strokes. I am a return customer and will continue going as long as NETH is around (and as long as I’m around, too!).
JF
These professional tennis instructors made it fun! They gave a lot of great pointers! They gave great instruction on stroke technique and they were very articulate in what you need to change. They gave us things to work on to improve our tennis game. They video taped our strokes and discussed what we did right and where we need to make changes. I would highly recommend their tennis camps!
MY
Setting at Waterville Valley tennis was beautiful and a joy to play at. Participated in tennis clinics with my wife – each of us being at different levels. Tom, head pro, was fantastic and had a real eye for technique. He made great suggestions for both of us to tweak swings/game that led to meaningful improvements. Overall, we had a great time and would enjoy returning.
RG
Decent tennis camp. Attendees tended to be 3.0-3.5 seniors. Location /setting perfect for late summer. Instruction was pretty basic. Camp would have benefited from the use of 3 courts v 1-2 since 12-13 participants.
BG
I attended the adult tennis camp at Waterville Valley NH with John, Chris and Kord. It was fun and challenging and helped me advance my skills. The pros were very patient and very good at instruction with every stroke. I also liked that they taped our drills and we could review them and be critiqued. I would recommend this camp to anyone who wants to hone their skills, play some games, and meet like minded people who like a good competition. I came as a single but felt very welcome with the group.
HS
Good three days of tennis, skilled pros. Well maintained courts. Wonderful use of video app. Great player to pro ratio! Provided breakfast light on protein, lunch was too heavy, no restrooms at the court. All in all New England Holiday Tennis made tasty lemonade from COVID lemons. Will try to attend Sugarbush next year.
WG
My husband and I were at the tennis camp for two and a half days of instruction. I had gone before, and this was his first time. The coaches are very knowledgeable and good at explaining the different strokes/techniques. The small group size was nice, especially because of COVID. What we really liked, was the videotaping of our strokes and the feedback that followed. A picture’s worth a thousand words! we would highly recommend this experience.
GC
MANY well-maintained red clay courts and two excellent indoor courts. Amazing views and many things to do, in addition to great tennis experience. Hiking trails, bike trails, a shuttle bus, Town Center with restaurants, stores, and even a US Post Office.
CA
This was our third year in a row. Talented, energetic, fun tennis professionals!! Super positive. It’s really a spectacular staff!!! We always come away with tips and things to work on. Other campers are also fun and supportive. The facilities are exceptional. Waterville is scenic, but limited food options.
MG
Clare Grabher has done exceptional for arranging a 2020 summer season, when it looked like there would be none. Everything about the weekend was beautiful !! The instructors were high energy and fun and knew how to meet the variety of needs for our group. JJ is a magical instructor. Chris had an extensive skill set. And Duncan’s instruction was relaxed and insightful. The food at the Coyote Grill was top notch. And it was great being with a small group of friends from my home town. Getting video-taped was extremely helpful and a positive experience. And JJ’s trivia questions were outstanding. I also loved using the hot tub and pool after a long day of tennis. I can’t wait for my next tennis camp!!
CF
This is my 3rd year attending an NETH tennis camp. the setting is beautiful, with views of the mountains from the court. The courts are very well maintained red clay. The level of instruction is exceptionally outstanding. There is a well designed progression of instruction, interspersed with short sessions of various game drills. No one is left standing idle for long periods, yet the instructors are also alert to the general energy level of participants and while they do push, don’t push too far. A particular feature of this camp is the video analysis. JJ in particular is very adept at analyzing both good points in a particular stroke, as well as narrowing in on a few weaker aspects and describing how to specifically improve on them. Duncan’s laid back energy contrasted well with Chris’ spark plug. Both also gave excellent feedback and suggestions. They also commented on court coverage and doubles strategy. Highly recommended!
CF
Clare Grabher has done exceptional arranging a 2020 summer season, when it looked like there would be none. Everything about the weekend was beautiful! Instructors were high energy and fun and knew how to meet the variety of needs of our group. JJ is a magical instructor. Chris had an extensive skill set. And Duncan’s instruction was relaxed and insightful. The food at the Coyote Grill was top notch. And it was great being with a small group of friends from my home town. Getting video-taped was extremely helpful and a positive experience. And JJ’s trivia questions were outstanding. I also loved using the hot tub and pool after a long day of tennis. I can’t wait for my next tennis camp!
KG
It’s fun. Good teaching tips for improvement. Great scenery would highly recommend it to anyone that loves tennis
KG
My husband and I recently visited Waterville Valley in the beautiful White Mountains specifically to take private tennis lessons with the owner and Pro, Tom Gross at the Waterville Valley Tennis Center. The tennis center has some of the most beautiful red clay tennis courts in the world, that are completely surrounded by a breathtaking view of the mountains. It is stunning. We completely enjoyed our lessons with Tom; he is the consummate professional, whose tennis knowledge is unparalleled. He has a knack of knowing exactly what is needed for you to improve every aspect of your game, and he teaches you in plain terms that players at any level can truly appreciate and benefit from. He is also an incredibly nice person – and we enjoyed our lessons tremendously. We both left feeling more knowledgeable and much more confident in our tennis. We are very eager to return, and I cannot recommend Tom and his magnificent tennis center enough.
CL
The Waterville Valley Resort is an amazing place to vacation! You’re surrounded by beautiful mountains and fresh air. The tennis pros there are great and so friendly. They are super helpful in your tennis game. The staff, too, is super kind and friendly. The pro shop has everything you would need to play simple tennis. However, there are not a lot of people there so it is difficult to find juniors to play with. Nevertheless, the pros are so friendly, they are always able to find solutions.
RC
Most beautiful setting to play tennis. The courts are in the heart of the White Mountains with panoramic views. Spectacular! The tennis pro will help you improve your game dramatically in just a few lessons. I highly recommend Waterville Valley Resort.
NC
Great instruction by Tom Gross, head pro. I learned a lot, even though I have been playing for 35 years and taking lessons almost that long. He still taught me new stuff. Facility is outstanding, Beautiful American red clay courts, well maintained,
JK
Waterville Valley Resort is a very nice resort. My grandkids enjoyed the tennis lessons and the swimming pool. I enjoyed my tennis lessons with Tom Gross. He is an excellent instructor.
JF
Tennis facility and staff are outstanding. great clay courts. Lessons are very impactful, high energy, and fun. Cant wait to get back in the spring.
CF
Waterville valley tennis was an unexpected bonus for us when we purchased a town home in the Valley. We spent a lot of time with Tom Gros the pro and owner and not only improved our game but had a delightful time. It appears you can teach an old dog new tricks. We look forward to many more lessons and playing at this beautiful facility. We have played at many resorts including 5 star and this is our favorite.
TK
Amazing mountain views from the well maintained red clay tennis courts. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The round robins on Fri, Sat & Sunday are a lot of fun and well attended. The Head Pro, Tom Gross, is an excellent instructor and makes the clinics well worth the price. I always learn something that makes me a better player.
JC
Had a great experience at Waterville Valley. We were only stopping through for 3 days but in that short time Tom Gross completely fixed the issues that have been plaguing me all summer. He also did it in a way that was easy to understand and will stay with me for the long term. Kids enjoyed the junior program, but it was the adults that had the most fun. Resort itself has lots of recreation activities outside tennis making it a real destination where you could easily spend a week and really work on your game. Highly recommend mountain biking and swimming in the cascade waterfalls. Overall incredible value in a beautiful setting. We hope to return again.
TN
Beautiful surroundings. Ideal for outdoor loving people. Our family really enjoyed playing tennis on the clay courts. Staff is very friendly and accommodating, especially Tom (tennis director) and Town Square front desk. We all had fun and good memories from the 3-day staying at the resort.
MW
Tom Grosse is a superb instructor. After not playing for many years, Tom got me tuned up in one lesson while sharing tips I had never heard before during many years of competitive play, lots of drills and lessons. Incredibly well worth the time!
JL
The most beautiful setting for any resort. Where can you play tennis surrounded by majestic mountains. 18 clay courts, Pro Tom Gross gives the best clinics and lessons, and there is organized social round robins. I can’t wait to take girlfriends for a tennis weekend.
RS
Waterville Valley is an incredible tennis resort destination. Tom Gross and his staff do an exceptional job with all aspects of a tennis vacation. Terrific groomed courts, a fantastic setting in beautiful New Hampshire, friendly and helpful staff not to mention top notch tennis instruction from a very knowledgable pro who has worked with some of the legends of the game, Laver, Emerson, Hoad, andGonzalez to name a few. I would highly recommend a tennis vacation here, and there are also many other activities at the resort, golf, biking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing to name a few so bring the whole family.
CB
Great tennis! loved the clay courts, beautiful setting, great coaching
BK
I had the chance to play at the outdoor facility, which is a beautiful facility of over 10 clay courts. They are immaculately maintained and it is a beautiful setting to play tennis. The pro (Tom) was awesome and gave a terrific private lesson – definitely provided a lot of great insights to improve my strokes. It is a wonderful facility and I highly recommend it to people who are coming to Waterville Valley with an interest in tennis.
NP
If you’re afraid of the 2-day camp being too physically tiring, don’t worry, because the staff [of New England Tennis Holidays] do an excellent job of spacing out the instruction with the practice /drills. Also, Waterville Valley courts are clay, which helps a lot with recovery time. They were very well organized and because of that, fit in a great deal of instruction, covering all strokes and much strategy. There was even some individual instruction based upon a video I just wish we could have had more competition, even if only for a set, with doubles or singles. It would have been great, too, to watch the instructors play against each other a bit.
LB
I have been to many tennis camps and resorts that are ranked in the Top 25 on tennisresortsonline.com in California, Florida, New Hampshire and Vermont, and I have only the highest praise for Tom Gross, Jr., who is the Director/Owner/Head Pro at Waterville Valley. He single handedly helped me to go from a 3.5 to an (almost) 4.5 in one year and help me to help my 40yo and over men’s USTA team make the national finals in 2018. Unlike most/almost all other programs, when you take lessons at Waterville Valley, you get direct instruction from the Head Pro, in this case who has decades of experience but still has a very authentic and genuine love of the game and teaching it to the level that the student is willing/able to receive. Waterville Valley is also one of the most beautiful AND reasonably priced tennis resorts in the US. Without qualification, I give it my highest recommendation which is reflected in the fact that I sometime drive round-trip in one day from Boston just to take lessons with Tom.
JN
Been going there for 25 plus years . Beautiful setting with mountains on all sides. 18 red clay courts are finely manicured and well kept thru the day . Lots of activity and the ability to ‘pick up a game’ . Moreover , lessons are available from the Rod Laver-Roy Emerson trained USPTA pro Tom Gross ! I have visited 20 plus tennis resorts over the years and my favorite is WV !!!
MF
Great clay courts, a terrific tennis pro, Tom Gross, and lessons and games going on constantly. Tom ensures everyone gets what they want in lessons and partners to keep the tennis fun and challenging.
PB
I love Waterville Valley. The people are friendly, the town is lively and everywhere you look you see the most picturesque view of the White Mountains. While Waterville is nestled by itself away from it all, there is a ton to do for kids and adults. At the center of the town is the Town Square with outdoor concerts, a man made lake for swimming, renting boats etc. shopping, and a couple of great restaurants. There is a very laid back 9 hole golf course small enough for a beginner but quite a few holes that will challenge any player. There is some awesome hiking, bike trails, kids camps, ice cream socials and a list of events that is posted every week. Now for the best part of Waterville Valley – the tennis! Just outside of the town square sits 20+ extremely well kept and picturesque red clay courts. It is easy to book court time and if you give your phone # and level to the staff at the pro shop they will set you up with a good match with someone in the valley. I have come to Waterville almost every summer since i was a kid and have taken many lessons from the head pro Tom Gross. He’s a great guy, a fantastic coach and makes taking lessons a ton of fun. My kids are still too young for a lesson with Tom but they have enjoyed the group lessons every morning for kids their age. Waterville Valley is without a doubt my favorite place.
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350 Reviews on “Waterville Valley Resort”
The program was very organized and welcoming. Felt like I was able to improve my skills.
The tennis clinics by Tom Gross are outstanding. He gives phenomenal feedback and my strokes and general game-play really improved. He is encouraging and always keeps the drills engaging and challenging.
I absolutely love Waterville Valley!! From the moment you arrive, you know you have entered a truly special village. It’s amazing to be able to find peace & tranquility while at the same time having so many activities available for people of all ages. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and accomodating. It is not heavily commercialized like other vacation spots which is refreshing today. I could spend all day, every day on the tennis courts! I thoroughly enjoy the private lessons and the tennis clinics run by Tom Gross, Jr. as he a great person and the best tennis coach! As far as I am concered, Waterville Valley is the gem of New England!
At the Waterville Valley Resort, there is this awesome tennis pro, Tom Gross Jr. (USPTA), who can really teach tennis in a simple and easy way. Previously, I have been to various world-renowned tennis camps in Florida and Barcelona, Spain. Nevertheless, I find Tom Gross Jr. in Waterville Valley, NH to be the best pro I have ever met so far. Trust me: he really knows what he is doing. His explanation is very succinct, articulate, and easy to follow. I was also extremely impressed by the 14-year-old kid named Eddie who was ranked #1 in New England and, of course, taught by guess who? Tom Gross Jr. I wish Coach Tom Gross Jr. all the best in years to come.
A low key experience in a gorgeous setting with excellent instruction from Tom. No better place to come in a pandemic than this locale for this sport. Fabulous. Looking forward to next time.
Great, fun atmosphere. Friendly, knowledgeable pros. Great video assessments. A+ for all the pros. They know their stuff and work hard to improve your game.
I attended the Tennis Camp for the first time. It was fantastic – the staff was very attentive and fun. They did a great job critiquing our volleys, forehands, backhands and serves. A very fun experience and I know it will definitely improve my tennis game!
Tennis instruction at WV Resort is high energy and will improve your game immediately. Loads of courts, great instructors and a fun atmosphere. I wish I could be there every weekend.
Tom Gross is an excellent coach. He knows his stuff. He’s personable, fun and great at what he does. He remembers peoples names which is just as important as his superb knowledge base.
The area is beautiful. The tennis center is terrific- multiple clay courts in great condition. I took a group clinic and the coach was great. He pinpointed things i need to work but didn’t try to overhaul my game. He left my strengths alone and helped me improve my weaknesses. I would highly recommend Waterville Valley for a vacation and the tennis center is great fun.
I loved every minute on the clay courts over looking the mountains at beautiful Waterville Valley! My private lesson with the assistant pro Nick was great and the numerous clinics I attended with Head Pro Tom were super fun, challenging and helpful at improving my game. I made some lovely new friends. I will ALWAYS schedule time for tennis on all my return trips to Waterville.
You get off the main highway 93 and travel for 15 minutes where the road ends in a paradise named Waterville valley , set in a beautiful bowl in the white mountains of new hampshire There are many opportunities for hiking, biking, golf ( not available this summer as a visitor due to covid restrictions ) a ( very) small lake with boating and swimming , an athletic center with indoor and outdoor pools , exerciseroom and two indoor tennis courts and a small “town” center with a few nice shops and eateries. There is a small market but its best to stop at a supermarket before arriving to stock up on groceries For tennis players it is a bit of paradise with many clay tennis courts surrounded by impressive mountains everwhere you look . My husband and I joined two clinics with Tom Gross the head tennis pro and director . He is very friendly and gives a thoughtful analysis of your strokes with simple but helpful tips on how to make improvements without trying to change anything dramatic. There can be a variety of skill levels at the clinics so while Tom works it out quite well , I might choose to book semi private lessons when we come back in the future . If we had had more time there is a board where players leave messages so you can easily arrange games and there is a daily round robin available as well . Overall this place is a tennis players dream This is not a place for fancy food or dress, it is a place of restful beauty with ample opportunities for sport and leisure , one of our very favorites
This is an extraordinarily beautiful setting, a valley enclosed by high peaks with only one way in and one way out. So there is a special sensibility to the place, a little bit of a lost horizon. In the middle of this there are 18 red clay courts, a beautiful 9 hole golf course and a cute miniature village. Biking, hiking, swimming abound. So it’s like being a kid again, a lucky kid. The tennis is first rate, led by Tom Gross and a very nice staff. Tom is an excellent teacher and very congenial to learn with, whatever one’s level. If you are looking for Four Seasons accommodations you are in the wrong place, and probably the wrong state and not amenable to the old northeast outdoor experience that this offers. Having said that, it appears some of the lodges do need updating. In addition, there could be a little more food choices, including perhaps one somewhat more upscale one. But it was also Covid at the time and that was very constraining. This is a very special place.
Tom who is the pro at WV was professional and knowledgeable. Wish we planned more lessons with him. The resort is beautiful, sandwiched between mountain ranges, and there are lots of other activities including wonderful biking. We were with a group of friends so we were able to reserve courts and play. I think we all would have enjoyed participating in clinics during the week if they were offered. The round robin is organized by an affiliated group of locals on the weekend but there is nothing offered by the resort.
Exceptional clinics. Tom Gross brings out the best in you, and after all this time I’m happy to say I have a net game and he re-tooled my serve so I enjoy playing again where I had given up. We vacationed here for years with our children and watched their tennis skills grow over time. Now we’ve gone back with our grandchildren and realized yet again what a wonderful program they have as we watched them play in he junior programs The town, facilities, pond, and pools surrounded by the White Mountains make this a great place. Hiking, mountain biking are right at your fingertips and mountain streams are abundant. Frankly don’t see any weaknesses. We had such a positive experience my wife and I are going back again next week for another round of clinics!
Wow, to find a tennis resort with 18 red clay courts surrounded by beautiful mountains and a staff that was so friendly and helpful was awesome! My wife and I immediately joined some social groups to play mixed, she took multiple clinics, and I took private lessons with director Tom Gross. Each lesson with Tom was “spot on” in terms of suggesting improvements to my game. Final comment was we bought a second home 10 days after arriving for a 5 week vacation. Look forward to years of enjoyment at Waterville Valley Tennis Resort. Ranks at the top of tennis resorts I have experienced!
I didn’t know what to expect being from Texas. I had an amazing experience and the mountains surrounding the tennis courts in the valley were calming and just surreal. Even on a warmer day you can just look up all around you and just be grateful to view the overall surroundings. The tennis clinics improved my game very quickly and met people who will continue to stay in touch for the next year. Tom Gross was the best no nonsense, motivating and consistent coach I have ever had the pleasure to work with…he was relentless to help me fix 2 key weaknesses that had held me back from reaching 3.5. I can still hear his coaching in my head everytime I hit my forehand. He never forgot any of our names and this man was booked solid 12 hours a day on the court. Great experience and energy in a beautiful area of the country surrounded by the White Mountains.
Instructors are talented, fun, engaging, kind, and they always remember your name, too! Instruction is phenomenal and the ratio of pros to students is very good. You are most always playing or learning. The video recording used for additional instruction is extremely helpful. It is used on multiple strokes. I am a return customer and will continue going as long as NETH is around (and as long as I’m around, too!).
These professional tennis instructors made it fun! They gave a lot of great pointers! They gave great instruction on stroke technique and they were very articulate in what you need to change. They gave us things to work on to improve our tennis game. They video taped our strokes and discussed what we did right and where we need to make changes. I would highly recommend their tennis camps!
Setting at Waterville Valley tennis was beautiful and a joy to play at. Participated in tennis clinics with my wife – each of us being at different levels. Tom, head pro, was fantastic and had a real eye for technique. He made great suggestions for both of us to tweak swings/game that led to meaningful improvements. Overall, we had a great time and would enjoy returning.
Decent tennis camp. Attendees tended to be 3.0-3.5 seniors. Location /setting perfect for late summer. Instruction was pretty basic. Camp would have benefited from the use of 3 courts v 1-2 since 12-13 participants.
I attended the adult tennis camp at Waterville Valley NH with John, Chris and Kord. It was fun and challenging and helped me advance my skills. The pros were very patient and very good at instruction with every stroke. I also liked that they taped our drills and we could review them and be critiqued. I would recommend this camp to anyone who wants to hone their skills, play some games, and meet like minded people who like a good competition. I came as a single but felt very welcome with the group.
Good three days of tennis, skilled pros. Well maintained courts. Wonderful use of video app. Great player to pro ratio! Provided breakfast light on protein, lunch was too heavy, no restrooms at the court. All in all New England Holiday Tennis made tasty lemonade from COVID lemons. Will try to attend Sugarbush next year.
My husband and I were at the tennis camp for two and a half days of instruction. I had gone before, and this was his first time. The coaches are very knowledgeable and good at explaining the different strokes/techniques. The small group size was nice, especially because of COVID. What we really liked, was the videotaping of our strokes and the feedback that followed. A picture’s worth a thousand words! we would highly recommend this experience.
MANY well-maintained red clay courts and two excellent indoor courts. Amazing views and many things to do, in addition to great tennis experience. Hiking trails, bike trails, a shuttle bus, Town Center with restaurants, stores, and even a US Post Office.
This was our third year in a row. Talented, energetic, fun tennis professionals!! Super positive. It’s really a spectacular staff!!! We always come away with tips and things to work on. Other campers are also fun and supportive. The facilities are exceptional. Waterville is scenic, but limited food options.
Clare Grabher has done exceptional for arranging a 2020 summer season, when it looked like there would be none. Everything about the weekend was beautiful !! The instructors were high energy and fun and knew how to meet the variety of needs for our group. JJ is a magical instructor. Chris had an extensive skill set. And Duncan’s instruction was relaxed and insightful. The food at the Coyote Grill was top notch. And it was great being with a small group of friends from my home town. Getting video-taped was extremely helpful and a positive experience. And JJ’s trivia questions were outstanding. I also loved using the hot tub and pool after a long day of tennis. I can’t wait for my next tennis camp!!
This is my 3rd year attending an NETH tennis camp. the setting is beautiful, with views of the mountains from the court. The courts are very well maintained red clay. The level of instruction is exceptionally outstanding. There is a well designed progression of instruction, interspersed with short sessions of various game drills. No one is left standing idle for long periods, yet the instructors are also alert to the general energy level of participants and while they do push, don’t push too far. A particular feature of this camp is the video analysis. JJ in particular is very adept at analyzing both good points in a particular stroke, as well as narrowing in on a few weaker aspects and describing how to specifically improve on them. Duncan’s laid back energy contrasted well with Chris’ spark plug. Both also gave excellent feedback and suggestions. They also commented on court coverage and doubles strategy. Highly recommended!
Clare Grabher has done exceptional arranging a 2020 summer season, when it looked like there would be none. Everything about the weekend was beautiful! Instructors were high energy and fun and knew how to meet the variety of needs of our group. JJ is a magical instructor. Chris had an extensive skill set. And Duncan’s instruction was relaxed and insightful. The food at the Coyote Grill was top notch. And it was great being with a small group of friends from my home town. Getting video-taped was extremely helpful and a positive experience. And JJ’s trivia questions were outstanding. I also loved using the hot tub and pool after a long day of tennis. I can’t wait for my next tennis camp!
It’s fun. Good teaching tips for improvement. Great scenery would highly recommend it to anyone that loves tennis
My husband and I recently visited Waterville Valley in the beautiful White Mountains specifically to take private tennis lessons with the owner and Pro, Tom Gross at the Waterville Valley Tennis Center. The tennis center has some of the most beautiful red clay tennis courts in the world, that are completely surrounded by a breathtaking view of the mountains. It is stunning. We completely enjoyed our lessons with Tom; he is the consummate professional, whose tennis knowledge is unparalleled. He has a knack of knowing exactly what is needed for you to improve every aspect of your game, and he teaches you in plain terms that players at any level can truly appreciate and benefit from. He is also an incredibly nice person – and we enjoyed our lessons tremendously. We both left feeling more knowledgeable and much more confident in our tennis. We are very eager to return, and I cannot recommend Tom and his magnificent tennis center enough.
The Waterville Valley Resort is an amazing place to vacation! You’re surrounded by beautiful mountains and fresh air. The tennis pros there are great and so friendly. They are super helpful in your tennis game. The staff, too, is super kind and friendly. The pro shop has everything you would need to play simple tennis. However, there are not a lot of people there so it is difficult to find juniors to play with. Nevertheless, the pros are so friendly, they are always able to find solutions.
Most beautiful setting to play tennis. The courts are in the heart of the White Mountains with panoramic views. Spectacular! The tennis pro will help you improve your game dramatically in just a few lessons. I highly recommend Waterville Valley Resort.
Great instruction by Tom Gross, head pro. I learned a lot, even though I have been playing for 35 years and taking lessons almost that long. He still taught me new stuff. Facility is outstanding, Beautiful American red clay courts, well maintained,
Waterville Valley Resort is a very nice resort. My grandkids enjoyed the tennis lessons and the swimming pool. I enjoyed my tennis lessons with Tom Gross. He is an excellent instructor.
Tennis facility and staff are outstanding. great clay courts. Lessons are very impactful, high energy, and fun. Cant wait to get back in the spring.
Waterville valley tennis was an unexpected bonus for us when we purchased a town home in the Valley. We spent a lot of time with Tom Gros the pro and owner and not only improved our game but had a delightful time. It appears you can teach an old dog new tricks. We look forward to many more lessons and playing at this beautiful facility. We have played at many resorts including 5 star and this is our favorite.
Amazing mountain views from the well maintained red clay tennis courts. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The round robins on Fri, Sat & Sunday are a lot of fun and well attended. The Head Pro, Tom Gross, is an excellent instructor and makes the clinics well worth the price. I always learn something that makes me a better player.
Had a great experience at Waterville Valley. We were only stopping through for 3 days but in that short time Tom Gross completely fixed the issues that have been plaguing me all summer. He also did it in a way that was easy to understand and will stay with me for the long term. Kids enjoyed the junior program, but it was the adults that had the most fun. Resort itself has lots of recreation activities outside tennis making it a real destination where you could easily spend a week and really work on your game. Highly recommend mountain biking and swimming in the cascade waterfalls. Overall incredible value in a beautiful setting. We hope to return again.
Beautiful surroundings. Ideal for outdoor loving people. Our family really enjoyed playing tennis on the clay courts. Staff is very friendly and accommodating, especially Tom (tennis director) and Town Square front desk. We all had fun and good memories from the 3-day staying at the resort.
Tom Grosse is a superb instructor. After not playing for many years, Tom got me tuned up in one lesson while sharing tips I had never heard before during many years of competitive play, lots of drills and lessons. Incredibly well worth the time!
The most beautiful setting for any resort. Where can you play tennis surrounded by majestic mountains. 18 clay courts, Pro Tom Gross gives the best clinics and lessons, and there is organized social round robins. I can’t wait to take girlfriends for a tennis weekend.
Waterville Valley is an incredible tennis resort destination. Tom Gross and his staff do an exceptional job with all aspects of a tennis vacation. Terrific groomed courts, a fantastic setting in beautiful New Hampshire, friendly and helpful staff not to mention top notch tennis instruction from a very knowledgable pro who has worked with some of the legends of the game, Laver, Emerson, Hoad, andGonzalez to name a few. I would highly recommend a tennis vacation here, and there are also many other activities at the resort, golf, biking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing to name a few so bring the whole family.
Great tennis! loved the clay courts, beautiful setting, great coaching
I had the chance to play at the outdoor facility, which is a beautiful facility of over 10 clay courts. They are immaculately maintained and it is a beautiful setting to play tennis. The pro (Tom) was awesome and gave a terrific private lesson – definitely provided a lot of great insights to improve my strokes. It is a wonderful facility and I highly recommend it to people who are coming to Waterville Valley with an interest in tennis.
If you’re afraid of the 2-day camp being too physically tiring, don’t worry, because the staff [of New England Tennis Holidays] do an excellent job of spacing out the instruction with the practice /drills. Also, Waterville Valley courts are clay, which helps a lot with recovery time. They were very well organized and because of that, fit in a great deal of instruction, covering all strokes and much strategy. There was even some individual instruction based upon a video I just wish we could have had more competition, even if only for a set, with doubles or singles. It would have been great, too, to watch the instructors play against each other a bit.
I have been to many tennis camps and resorts that are ranked in the Top 25 on tennisresortsonline.com in California, Florida, New Hampshire and Vermont, and I have only the highest praise for Tom Gross, Jr., who is the Director/Owner/Head Pro at Waterville Valley. He single handedly helped me to go from a 3.5 to an (almost) 4.5 in one year and help me to help my 40yo and over men’s USTA team make the national finals in 2018. Unlike most/almost all other programs, when you take lessons at Waterville Valley, you get direct instruction from the Head Pro, in this case who has decades of experience but still has a very authentic and genuine love of the game and teaching it to the level that the student is willing/able to receive. Waterville Valley is also one of the most beautiful AND reasonably priced tennis resorts in the US. Without qualification, I give it my highest recommendation which is reflected in the fact that I sometime drive round-trip in one day from Boston just to take lessons with Tom.
Been going there for 25 plus years . Beautiful setting with mountains on all sides. 18 red clay courts are finely manicured and well kept thru the day . Lots of activity and the ability to ‘pick up a game’ . Moreover , lessons are available from the Rod Laver-Roy Emerson trained USPTA pro Tom Gross ! I have visited 20 plus tennis resorts over the years and my favorite is WV !!!
Great clay courts, a terrific tennis pro, Tom Gross, and lessons and games going on constantly. Tom ensures everyone gets what they want in lessons and partners to keep the tennis fun and challenging.
I love Waterville Valley. The people are friendly, the town is lively and everywhere you look you see the most picturesque view of the White Mountains. While Waterville is nestled by itself away from it all, there is a ton to do for kids and adults. At the center of the town is the Town Square with outdoor concerts, a man made lake for swimming, renting boats etc. shopping, and a couple of great restaurants. There is a very laid back 9 hole golf course small enough for a beginner but quite a few holes that will challenge any player. There is some awesome hiking, bike trails, kids camps, ice cream socials and a list of events that is posted every week. Now for the best part of Waterville Valley – the tennis! Just outside of the town square sits 20+ extremely well kept and picturesque red clay courts. It is easy to book court time and if you give your phone # and level to the staff at the pro shop they will set you up with a good match with someone in the valley. I have come to Waterville almost every summer since i was a kid and have taken many lessons from the head pro Tom Gross. He’s a great guy, a fantastic coach and makes taking lessons a ton of fun. My kids are still too young for a lesson with Tom but they have enjoyed the group lessons every morning for kids their age. Waterville Valley is without a doubt my favorite place.