Waterville Valley Resort: Cherishing the History Behind This NH Haven
Jordana Klein
How this Northeast Resort has put Waterville Valley on the map for year-round racquet sports & outdoor recreation
Have you ever wondered what put Waterville Valley, NH on the map in the tennis world? This quaint, picturesque town home to Waterville Valley Resort has a very prominent tennis history as a part of its foundation. Playing host to several tennis tournaments in the 1960s and 70s, Waterville Valley made a name for itself as the original home of the Laver-Emerson Tennis Holiday’s
From June to September, guests would travel to Waterville Valley for a chance to hit with Rod Laver or Roy Emerson during the seasonal camps — an experience that would be cherished forever. After several years of these Holiday’s, they eventually transitioned into what we know today as Waterville Valley Tennis.
Tom Gross, current Director of Tennis and Head Professional, joined the program in 1975 as a Laver-Emerson professional and became Director of Tennis for the Rod Laver Tennis Holiday’s program. In 1981, Gross took on the title he still holds today while also becoming the tournament director for several USTA/New England tournaments annually.
In 1995, Gross purchased the Waterville Valley Tennis Center and the Sports Center from the Waterville Company. His impressive knowledge both in the tennis industry as well as on the court has seen the growth and expansion of the venue and resort you’re familiar with today, including working with the New England Tennis Holiday’s programs which take place from mid-May through October.
There are very few tennis resorts and settings with as much history and accolades as Waterville Valley, let alone the consistent leadership and vision that Gross has shared through decades of management and development.
Today’s guests enjoy a tennis center nestled amidst the mountains, inclusive of 18 outdoor clay courts, two indoor courts, and a bustling activities calendar. Guests have access to not only an incredible mountain-side setting, but they will engage with expert coaches and instructors. When you’re not hard at work on the court, other activity options include golf, biking, swimming, and hiking during the summer as well as skiing, tubing, and sleigh rides during the winter months.
If you’re keen to enjoy it all, you may be interested in Waterville Valley’s Freedom Pass, which allows you to enjoy the community year-round. Depending on the season, the Pass includes unlimited tennis, access to White Mountain Athletic Club’s amenities, daily 2-hour mountain bike rentals, a scenic daily ride on the Snows Mountain Chairlift, hiking trails, admission to the resort’s Recreation Department gym programs, and member pricing on programs at The Rey Cultural Center. Freedom Passes are included with most nightly rate plans at Town Square Condominiums, Black Bear Lodge, Golden Eagle Lodge, Silver Fox Inn, Snowy Owl Inn, Valley Inn and Village Condominium. Enjoy all that the Valley has to offer without missing a beat.
Whether you’re traveling by car for a few days or across the country or the globe for an extended vacation, Waterville Valley has and option for anyone seeking rejuvenation as well as an active getaway.
Jordana has blended her passion for racquet sports with her on-court skills as Tennis Resorts Online's Travel Editor. After competing at the Division 1 collegiate level, Jordana's journey led her to hold marketing positions with organizations such as the USTA, IMG's Miami Open, and IMG Academy. She continues to share her love for the game across TRO's network and on tennis and pickleball courts in the Tampa Bay area.
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