Wintergreen spills down the slopes of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains roughly 45 miles west of Charlottesville. A master-planned private resort, it begins 3,800 feet above sea level at Devils Knob, where it overlooks the Shenandoah Valley, and ends in the valley of the Rockfish River. Altogether it covers 11,000 acres, 60 percent of which remains forested in evergreens, towering oaks, and other hardwoods. The forest also hold 13 species of orchids and one ancient fern bed estimated to be 1,000 years old. Some 30 miles of marked hiking trails thread through the property, with connections to one of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail.
Ecologically sensitive, Wintergreen has long followed a philosophy of preserving as much of the natural environment as possible while still carving out space for homes, condos, golf courses, tennis courts, and ski runs. Concentrating the lodging along the ridge tops at Devils Knob meant they could leave substantial tracts of forest undisturbed, and the construction that did take place adopted the colors of the earth, rocks, and trees in order to blend with the surroundings. There are thousands of condos and homes scattered through the property, but their very unobtrusiveness would lead you to guess far fewer. Deed covenants ensure that that will never change, and so does the fact that the resort is owned not by a corporation but by the property owners themselves, who don’t want to see the value of their investments undermined by the continual addition of new housing stock.
Its physical beauty aside, one reason to choose Wintergreen, especially in the summer, is that temperatures at Devils Knob are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than those in the surrounding lowlands. Many of the second home owners come from Washington, D.C., Richmond, and other nearby cities seeking relief from the summer swelter. And it’s no accident, therefore, that the largest of the resort’s tennis complexes drapes across a ridge at the top of the mountains.
There are two tennis complexes at Wintergreen: a small four-court (all clay) facility at Stoney Creek next to the golf clubhouse and the main 18-court complex at Devils Knob. The latter consists of 15 clay courts laid out among the evergreens and hardwoods near the top of a ridge and three hard courts beneath a tent-like pavilion. Devils Knob has a full-service pro shop, and its location puts it just down the road from the Wintergreen Spa and Aquatics & Fitness Center. (Wintergreen also owns the one hard court and pool at Rodes Farm, down in the valley, an otherwise independently managed inn and restaurant with cabins and stables.)
There's a daily roster of activities as well as an adult academy program and summer junior camps. Among the latter are 5 Nike Tennis Camps, some with an overnight option and/or tournament training option to cater to higher level players. The result is that from the time the snow melts in March or April until beyond the fall foliage season in October, these courts are a haven for avid players.
Tennis Programs: The Tennis Academy programs at Wintergreen run three or four days, some midweek, others over weekends. These run year round on the weekends, supplemented by midweek options on certain dates from June through August. In addition, private groups can book customized programs midweek from September through May. Sessions average 2 to 4 hours a day and include intensive drilling and supervised match play, much of it doubles.
The Academy aside, the resort offers a full menu of clinics such as the Advanced Workout for 4.0’s and up, Cardio Tennis, Drills for Skills, and a tactical point playing clinic called Matchplay Madness. Beyond that there are private lessons, game matching, and occasional exhibitions.
Courts Fees: Outdoors: $22/hour midweek; $26/hour weekends and holidays.
Indoors: $35/hour midweek; $45/hour weekends and holidays
Off Court
Golf Courses: Wintergreen has two distinctively different golf courses: one at the top of the mountains at Devils Knob, the other in the valley below along Stoney Creek. It also has a golf academy.
Devils Knob Course: Designed by Ellis Maples, a native of Pinehurst, North Carolina, this challenging 18-hole course follows the surprisingly flat ridges at the top of the mountain. At 3,850 feet it is the highest in the state, with 40 to 50 miles views of the Shenandoah and Rockfish Valleys. That elevation means summer temperatures are cooler than in the valley below but also limit its season to April through November. Par: 70. Length: 5,101-6,300 yards.
Stoney Creek Course: Unlike Devils knob, which is seasonal, this 27-hole championship course remains open year-round. Rees Jones designed the original 18 holes (the Monocan and Shamokin nines), giving them roomy fairways that meander along the valley floor and feature bold mounding like that found on many British courses. He returned 10 years later to add the Tuckahoe 9, which opened in 1998. He laid it out over the hills and through woods, skirting meadows and preserved wetlands. Water hazards are plentiful and so are his trademark moundings. Par: 72. Length: 5,500-7,005 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Wintergarden Spa and Fitness Center stands just up the road from the Devils Knob tennis center. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, a workout room with windows on the indoor pool, and a spa with 11 rooms for massages and beauty treatments. There is another small fitness center and pool at the golf clubhouse adjacent to the four clay courts in the valley at Stoney Creek.
Out of Bounds Adventure Center: Relocated to Discovery Ridge, the Out of Bounds Adventure Center is a multi-use recreation site with a 25-foot rock-climbing tower, a bungee-trampoline, paintball team competitions and target shooting, a miniature golf course landscaped with hardwood trees and shrubs, a skate park,
Some 30 miles of nature trails wind through the resort, connecting at the top with the Appalachian Trail. Mountain bikes can be rented at the Adventure Center for the 7.2 mile descent to the valley floor or to take on the challenge of the obstacles at the free-ride center. Down in the valley, there is a 20-acre Lake Monocan stocked with bass and pan fish. The lake also has a dock with canoes and paddleboats, picnic areas, volleyball, and a beach of sorts. Rodes Farm at Stoney Creek, while independent of the resort, has a complete English-oriented equestrian center.
Children's programs: The resort runs highly regarded adventurous summer children’s programs for those ages 2½ to 14. During the height of summer, there is also the option for 6 to 12 year olds of a Friday and Saturday evening program in summer so parents can have their own weekend evening out and a midweek overnight campout.
Dining: There are four restaurants at Wintergreen, three at the top of the mountain, a fourth at the golf clubhouse in Stoney Creek.
Accommodations
Getting there
Seasons: That elevation means that temperatures at the main Devils Knob tennis courts are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than on the valley floor below, and that helps to make Wintergreen a popular summer weekend getaway for lowlanders in places like Washington, DC, and eastern Virginia. Spring and early summer bring a spectacular display of wildflowers, autumn a blaze of fall colors.
Travel Instructions: By Air: The Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport (CHO) is 44 miles from Wintergreen.
560 Reviews on “Wintergreen Resort - Wintergreen Tennis Academy”
Excellent
4.5
560 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
5.0
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
5.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
5.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
5.0
Accomodations
4.3
Resort Amenities
4.8
RB
I had a blast! I went with a group of friends, looking to improve my game but also wanted to have fun. Dave and Constatine were awesome! Thank you and I will definately be coming back!
PS
I appreciated the individual attention that each of the pros gave me during the clinic. The drills were fun while teaching strategies that I’ve already incorporated into my game.
SD
I had an excellent experience. The staff cared about the students doing well, working hard, and having an enjoyable experience. I have a will keep recommending this resort to others.
SS
The instruction was direct, personal, and easy to follow. Good advice on ground strokes and volleys.
VG
Excellent Tennis Academy! The instruction and drills are the best I have ever had. The Pros make it so much fun and my game has improved dramatically since I participated. The individual attention during the academy is priceless. I plan on doing one or two academies each year!
BR
Excellent teaching, facilities, beautiful mountain climate, awesome outdoor har tru courts, in-door all weather courts, year-round festivals, close to Wash DC and Charlottesville, VA
JG
Absolutely fantastic! This was my second visit…John being the main man. And as last time, he has quality peers running a fantastic program, judiciously working on skills and technique with great attention to detail, personal attention and calm enthusiasm. I would make the drive to and up the mountain to Wintergreen weekly if it was possible! Well done Gentlemen!
TC
High quality professional training. Great at identifying and reinforcing issues until they’re fixed. Enjoyed the facility. Only got to play indoor, but appreciated the high quality courts. Need more practice balls and to get some lighting pointed down I think though.
DW
We try to get there several times a year; either in large groups or even single lessons–it’s about an hour and a half from our home; well worth the trip. I’ve been with my lady teammates and with my husband and son. Tennis instruction is excellent and to the point. ALWAYS come away feeling pumped and feeling that my skills and understanding of the game have improved. Planning the next visit before we even leave
WD
Great setting, great instruction, great amenities. Weakness: nearest airport is about 1 hour away
KL
It’s a fantastic place to visit, but ESPECIALLY if you play tennis! With both indoor and outdoor courts, and really fun, experienced professionals who provide outstanding clinics and lessons…it’s hard to beat. But then place it in the Blue Ridge mountains, with views that are unmatched anywhere, and hiking trails, and all the amenities of the resort (spa services, pools, hot tub)…it sets up for an amazing, memorable vacation, whether a weekend or week!
LC
I really enjoyed the tennis clinics. i like that were fast paced and kept everyone moving
RW
Amazing setting at the highest elevation of this four season resort. Great way to beat the summer heat by playing at Wintergreen where the temperatures can be more than 10 degress cooler than the lower elevations.
TF
The tennis staff tailors the academy and clinic to your playing level, and work on improving your overall game. Every time I go, I learn something new, and am able to go back home and apply it.
DL
Strengths:excellent courts, outside in spring to fall, excellent maintenance-a dedicated and friendly staff, marvelous instruction and clinics. Nothing better. The winter offering is inside, wonderful courts, but the only negative is there is only 3courts. Build more!!
HB
Having taken private lessons and clinics at Wintergreen, we have found the quality of instruction to be exceptional. I have found something to use immediately, and to practice often, in every clinic. Participants are kept moving in the lessons and clinics… it’s great exercise!
AC
Wintergreen is a great tennis resort with great facilities and instructors. Close to DC, great mountain scenery, and great people!
PW
Good in depth coaching from both technical and strategic perspectives.
CG
Pro’s are EXCELLENT! They pay attention to detail and improve areas that need work. Recommend this to any ADVANCED player. Best on the EAST coast. And I’ve been to a number of other adult camps in the US, this ranks the best in my book.
NA
The instructors were among the best I’ve experienced, and I have taken lessons at several different facilities. They focused on just a couple key points and didn’t overload us with changes. They kept it fun with lots of different drills and were very engaging, both on and off the court. My only complaint is the clinics sell out fast.
RK
I’ve gone four times and every time I returned home with my game sharper than it was. Great instructional staff.
CD
High energy, kept the concepts simple, the drills moving, gave continual feedback. The three day academy was tons of fun and really helpful. All three pros were personable, fun and knowledgeable, great teachers.
VA
Knowledgeable staff and curteous. Very professional in their mannerism and aiming to please. A strong sense of community and high quality players that like good competition. No complaints.
LP
Veryvgood tennis instructors; lots of courts; individualized help; great tennis store vfriendly and welcoming people v
BL
Outstanding
RR
I love Wintergreen’s “Tennis Academy”. I have attended tree different sessions & enjoyed each session. The pros were very professional & knowledgeable. Our group got a good workout while learning new skills. The clinics are never overbooked and I know I will receive ample instruction during the academy. Tennis Academy is a great way to gather a team or other group to learn more about the game!
BW
The pros, instruction, and facilities are all superb!
DM
This was the second year that I attended a Tennis Academy at Wintergreen. The instructors are very knowledgable and made the clinic fun.
CB
Jon is a terrific head pro, improved my game tremendously in just one camp session. Returned 2 years in a row!
CC
Fantastic tennis pros, venue, weather, vistas. Restaurants not always fantastic but everything else was, including service.
TL
Beautiful location, great tennis instructors, good for anything from couples looking to improve and have fun to serious tennis players looking to make a jump in their ratings.
CJ
I have attended the Tennis Academy for 5 straight years and love it. All of the instructors are top notch and the facility is great especially in the summer when it is hot other areas of the country.
KM
We love the personal attention and excellent teaching staff at Wintergreen. 8 hours of clinics with 1:4 pro/student ratio.
BK
Wonderful experience; the guys made learning fun, excellent one-on-one instruction, specific tips were given that I will be incorporating into my game. My second trip to the Wintergreen Academy and looking forward to more!
JR
I’ve attended two of their Tennis Academies, and I can’t wait until the next one!
AD
Tenis instruction is exceptional.
DB
Love the tennis at Wintergreen!
HW
Recently, quality of Wintergreen tennis experience has really been disappointing. Indoor courts are not well maintained, difficult to find a good game or strong clinic, weak pros.
WC
Great instruction and awesome courts. Good mix of instruction and hitting a lot of balls. Make sure that if you have classes court time after sundown that you know your way or it can be difficult to work your way around the mountain if you are unfamiliar with the resort.
CG
Great customized instruction. Jon and Dave are great! Definitely worth the money and experience. Best in VA, if not in the mid-atlantic. If you need to take the rust off or fine tune the strokes….this place is perfect for you.
SK
Fantastic,caring, energetic instructors. You will learn how to fix those annoying miscues and play better tennis.
CD
The instructors were excellent. They gave great individualized feedback to every player. I felt that all of the drills really helped me to improve my game along with the instruction on court positioning.
AH
I definitely recommend- beautiful setting, great personalized tennis instruction that made me want to take my game to the next level.
Beautiful year round setting , with excellent instruction for all levels of tennis ability .
CM
Wonderful resort offers tennis as well as many other activities (skiing, hiking, etc). Our family has been going to Wintergreen for several years and we have always had a great time.
SB
Great instruction and great fun.
AB
This mountaintop setting is beautiful. An abundance of beautifully kept Har-Tru courts with a few indoor courts for bad weather. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. Clinics and programs include great instruction from very knowledgable tennis staff. Shout out to Jon!
BW
Great teachers and great facilities. No notable weaknesses.
GD
The second you step onto the court at Wintergreen you start learning. The pros are extremely organized and take advantage of every minute we had on the court. While they geared the academy toward strategy, court positioning, shot selection and footwork, they would also take time to help out technique when needed. The pros are personable and can work with any personality and level. My husband, who is just starting out, and I were even able to take a lesson together. That is real skill. Every year I look forward to my long weekend at Wintergreen.
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560 Reviews on “Wintergreen Resort - Wintergreen Tennis Academy”
I had a blast! I went with a group of friends, looking to improve my game but also wanted to have fun. Dave and Constatine were awesome! Thank you and I will definately be coming back!
I appreciated the individual attention that each of the pros gave me during the clinic. The drills were fun while teaching strategies that I’ve already incorporated into my game.
I had an excellent experience. The staff cared about the students doing well, working hard, and having an enjoyable experience. I have a will keep recommending this resort to others.
The instruction was direct, personal, and easy to follow. Good advice on ground strokes and volleys.
Excellent Tennis Academy! The instruction and drills are the best I have ever had. The Pros make it so much fun and my game has improved dramatically since I participated. The individual attention during the academy is priceless. I plan on doing one or two academies each year!
Excellent teaching, facilities, beautiful mountain climate, awesome outdoor har tru courts, in-door all weather courts, year-round festivals, close to Wash DC and Charlottesville, VA
Absolutely fantastic! This was my second visit…John being the main man. And as last time, he has quality peers running a fantastic program, judiciously working on skills and technique with great attention to detail, personal attention and calm enthusiasm. I would make the drive to and up the mountain to Wintergreen weekly if it was possible! Well done Gentlemen!
High quality professional training. Great at identifying and reinforcing issues until they’re fixed. Enjoyed the facility. Only got to play indoor, but appreciated the high quality courts. Need more practice balls and to get some lighting pointed down I think though.
We try to get there several times a year; either in large groups or even single lessons–it’s about an hour and a half from our home; well worth the trip. I’ve been with my lady teammates and with my husband and son. Tennis instruction is excellent and to the point. ALWAYS come away feeling pumped and feeling that my skills and understanding of the game have improved. Planning the next visit before we even leave
Great setting, great instruction, great amenities. Weakness: nearest airport is about 1 hour away
It’s a fantastic place to visit, but ESPECIALLY if you play tennis! With both indoor and outdoor courts, and really fun, experienced professionals who provide outstanding clinics and lessons…it’s hard to beat. But then place it in the Blue Ridge mountains, with views that are unmatched anywhere, and hiking trails, and all the amenities of the resort (spa services, pools, hot tub)…it sets up for an amazing, memorable vacation, whether a weekend or week!
I really enjoyed the tennis clinics. i like that were fast paced and kept everyone moving
Amazing setting at the highest elevation of this four season resort. Great way to beat the summer heat by playing at Wintergreen where the temperatures can be more than 10 degress cooler than the lower elevations.
The tennis staff tailors the academy and clinic to your playing level, and work on improving your overall game. Every time I go, I learn something new, and am able to go back home and apply it.
Strengths:excellent courts, outside in spring to fall, excellent maintenance-a dedicated and friendly staff, marvelous instruction and clinics. Nothing better. The winter offering is inside, wonderful courts, but the only negative is there is only 3courts. Build more!!
Having taken private lessons and clinics at Wintergreen, we have found the quality of instruction to be exceptional. I have found something to use immediately, and to practice often, in every clinic. Participants are kept moving in the lessons and clinics… it’s great exercise!
Wintergreen is a great tennis resort with great facilities and instructors. Close to DC, great mountain scenery, and great people!
Good in depth coaching from both technical and strategic perspectives.
Pro’s are EXCELLENT! They pay attention to detail and improve areas that need work. Recommend this to any ADVANCED player. Best on the EAST coast. And I’ve been to a number of other adult camps in the US, this ranks the best in my book.
The instructors were among the best I’ve experienced, and I have taken lessons at several different facilities. They focused on just a couple key points and didn’t overload us with changes. They kept it fun with lots of different drills and were very engaging, both on and off the court.
My only complaint is the clinics sell out fast.
I’ve gone four times and every time I returned home with my game sharper than it was. Great instructional staff.
High energy, kept the concepts simple, the drills moving, gave continual feedback. The three day academy was tons of fun and really helpful. All three pros were personable, fun and knowledgeable, great teachers.
Knowledgeable staff and curteous. Very professional in their mannerism and aiming to please. A strong sense of community and high quality players that like good competition. No complaints.
Veryvgood tennis instructors; lots of courts; individualized help; great tennis store vfriendly and welcoming people v
Outstanding
I love Wintergreen’s “Tennis Academy”. I have attended tree different sessions & enjoyed each session. The pros were very professional & knowledgeable. Our group got a good workout while learning new skills. The clinics are never overbooked and I know I will receive ample instruction during the academy. Tennis Academy is a great way to gather a team or other group to learn more about the game!
The pros, instruction, and facilities are all superb!
This was the second year that I attended a Tennis Academy at Wintergreen. The instructors are very knowledgable and made the clinic fun.
Jon is a terrific head pro, improved my game tremendously in just one camp session. Returned 2 years in a row!
Fantastic tennis pros, venue, weather, vistas. Restaurants not always fantastic but everything else was, including service.
Beautiful location, great tennis instructors, good for anything from couples looking to improve and have fun to serious tennis players looking to make a jump in their ratings.
I have attended the Tennis Academy for 5 straight years and love it. All of the instructors are top notch and the facility is great especially in the summer when it is hot other areas of the country.
We love the personal attention and excellent teaching staff at Wintergreen. 8 hours of clinics with 1:4 pro/student ratio.
Wonderful experience; the guys made learning fun, excellent one-on-one instruction, specific tips were given that I will be incorporating into my game. My second trip to the Wintergreen Academy and looking forward to more!
I’ve attended two of their Tennis Academies, and I can’t wait until the next one!
Tenis instruction is exceptional.
Love the tennis at Wintergreen!
Recently, quality of Wintergreen tennis experience has really been disappointing. Indoor courts are not well maintained, difficult to find a good game or strong clinic, weak pros.
Great instruction and awesome courts. Good mix of instruction and hitting a lot of balls. Make sure that if you have classes court time after sundown that you know your way or it can be difficult to work your way around the mountain if you are unfamiliar with the resort.
Great customized instruction. Jon and Dave are great! Definitely worth the money and experience. Best in VA, if not in the mid-atlantic. If you need to take the rust off or fine tune the strokes….this place is perfect for you.
Fantastic,caring, energetic instructors. You will learn how to fix those annoying miscues and play better tennis.
The instructors were excellent. They gave great individualized feedback to every player. I felt that all of the drills really helped me to improve my game along with the instruction on court positioning.
I definitely recommend- beautiful setting, great personalized tennis instruction that made me want to take my game to the next level.
Wintergreen Resort has outstanding tennis clinics, academies, courts, landscape scenery & customer service!
Beautiful year round setting , with excellent instruction for all levels of tennis ability .
Wonderful resort offers tennis as well as many other activities (skiing, hiking, etc). Our family has been going to Wintergreen for several years and we have always had a great time.
Great instruction and great fun.
This mountaintop setting is beautiful. An abundance of beautifully kept Har-Tru courts with a few indoor courts for bad weather. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. Clinics and programs include great instruction from very knowledgable tennis staff. Shout out to Jon!
Great teachers and great facilities. No notable weaknesses.
The second you step onto the court at Wintergreen you start learning. The pros are extremely organized and take advantage of every minute we had on the court. While they geared the academy toward strategy, court positioning, shot selection and footwork, they would also take time to help out technique when needed. The pros are personable and can work with any personality and level. My husband, who is just starting out, and I were even able to take a lesson together. That is real skill. Every year I look forward to my long weekend at Wintergreen.