Wintergreen
Resort Tennis!
Overview
Its physical beauty aside, one reason to choose Wintergreen,
especially in the summer, is that temperatures at Devil's
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.
Tennis
Features
Pro Shop: 434-325-8235
 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 Devil's 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. Devil's Knob has a full-service pro
shop, and its location puts it just across the road from the
Wintergreen Sports complex, which has indoor and outdoor swimming
pools and whirlpools, a fitness center, and a small spa. (Wintergreen
also owns the two two hard courts and pool at Rodes Farm,
down in the valley, an otherwise independently managed inn
and restaurant with cabins and stables.)
The current tennis
director, Thomas Johnston, took over in December 1999 and
has expanded on the program of tennis academies already in
place. Offered on weekends throughout much of the year, these
clinics have become increasingly popular, especially with
teams, in part because of their emphasis on doubles. Johnston,
who has a Master's in sports psychology, added a mental toughness
component and is now working to expand the offerings to junior
players. He continued to support the round robins (which typically
follow a clinic) as easy ways to meet other players and to
schedule one or two exhibitions per month during the busy
May to September season. 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
Staff.
Tennis director Thomas Johnston played junior tennis in Texas,
was a Division III All American in southern California, went
on to the satellite circuit and then settled into coaching,
first at Pomona/Pitzer in southern California, and then at
the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. He's backed
by a strong staff, including former touring pro Todd Loomis.
Tennis Programs.The
tennis academy programs at Wintergreen run two, three, or
four days, with the longer programs scheduled during the week,
the two-day programs on weekends. These run from March to
the end of October (and selectively during the off season).
Sessions average 3 to 4 hours a day and include intensive
drilling and supervised match play, much of it doubles.
The academy aside,
the resort offers hour-long adult and junior clinics almost
daily, including once a week tennis aerobics sessions. Most
of those clinics are followed by a well attended, 90-minute
round robin. Beyond that there are private lessons, some limited
game matching (they hope you meet someone in the round robin),
and occasional exhibitions.
Your
Call
Here's what others have had to say about Wintergreen Resort.
"Our
group attended specifically for the tennis academy. We were
paired with other players of the same ability level which
made instruction and playing time very enjoyable. Instruction
was wonderful both private lesson and group clinics. Wintergreen
is a very beautiful spot in the mountain and the service was
wonderful. They made sure all of our needs were met."-D.S.,
May 2001
"An
excellent instruction program conducted by top-notch instructors.
If my game was not measurably improved, the fault can lie
only with me."-M.G., May 2001
"Excellent
training, facility and beautiful surroundings!! I highly recommend
their camp."-E.M., May 2001
"Excellent
instruction; extremely knowledgeable; positive feedback; wonderful
experience; beautiful setting."-S.D., May 2001
"Excellent
pros and facilities."-M.J., May 2001
"I
went to three different types of tennis camps in Maryland
and Virginia (in the Metro area where I live) in the past
few years, this is so far the best in every single aspect.
The coaches are courteous and knowledgeable and the coaching
is excellent. The setting of the camp is by all means beautiful
-- it is right in the mountain. There are so many things to
do for relaxation after tennis, eg. spa, hiking, biking, horsebacking
riding, etc. if we still have the energy to do so after tennis.
Accommodation is comfortable, though not luxurious, but the
overall package is of excellent value. I know I will go back
every year aso long as I am still playing tennis."-H.C.,
May 2001
"I thought the tennis program by Thomas Johnston was outstanding.
He has a great staff of very skilled instructors. Their well
designed drills reinforce the fundamental tennis principles
of sucessful doubles. I would highly recommend it to my tennis
friends. The Wintergreen experience is in a lovely setting
worthy of many repeat trips."-J.V., May 2001
"We
had a wonderful time at a private tennis clinic with four
women. We were all different levels of play and our pro was
able to gear each lesson to our needs. I like the positive,
constructive feedback given. The whole experience was great!"-S.S.,
April 2001
"The
tennis program was excellent. Thomas Johnston puts together
a great program with a good combination of skills and strategy.
His knowledge of sports psychology makes the program very
unique."-L.M., April 2001
See
Also
Among the other inland tennis resorts with the Wintergreen's
style and programs are:
Bridges
Family Resort & Tennis Club, Vermont
Northstar-at-Tahoe,
New York
Stratton Mountain
Resort, Vermont
Sunriver Lodge
& Resort, Oregon
For something similar
but with a beach, consider:
Amelia
Island Plantation, Florida
Kiawah Island Resorts,
South Carolina
Litchfield Beach
& Golf Resort, South Carolina
Sea Pines Resort, South
Carolina
Wild Dunes, South Carolina
Travel
Essentials
Seasons. The elevation means that temperatures
at the main Devil's 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
is 44 miles from Wintergreen. It has daily service from American
Eagle, Comair (a Delta Connection), United Express, and USAirways/USAirways
Express. From the airport, proceed through the first stop
sign to the first stop light. Turn right onto Hwy. 29 South
for 6 miles to the Route 250 west bypass exit. Continue for
4½ miles, exiting on I-64 west (to Staunton) and driving another
10 miles to Exit 107 Crozet, Rte. 250. Follow 250 west for
5 miles to Rte. 151 South, turn left and continue for 14.2
miles to Route 664. Turn right and proceed 4½ miles to the
Wintergreen entrance. 
By Car: Wintergreen can be reached from the
north and south on I-81, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Rt. 29,
and from the east and west on I-64 (take the exit for Rt.
250). Ask Blue Ridge Getaways for specific directions or see
our directions
page. General Tourist Information. Among the local attractions
are Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland,
and the Historic Michie Tavern, where you can have lunch.
For more information
about these and other local sites, visit the Charlottesville/Albemarle
Convention & Visitors Bureau online or contact them at
P.O. Box 178, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Phone: 434-977-1783. |
