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.