Although located near the ski slopes at Sugarbush, the Bridges focuses on tennis during the summer. It consists of 100 condominiums all within easy walking distance of a recreation center and a dozen hard and clay courts, two of them indoors. Those courts are its principal amenity, and that and the vigorous efforts to promote tennis by director Josh Hanna make this a haven for avid players.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 802-583-2922

The courts at the Bridges occupy two locations. There are five clay courts at the recreation center: 2 indoors and 3 outdoors. Those outdoor courts nestle against a hillside inset with terraced wooden seating capable of holding up to 500 spectators. Across from the recreation center a pathway leads up a low hill to an additional 7 courts—2 hard and 5 clay—grouped around a pavilion with umbrella-shaded picnic tables.

Tennis Staff. Tennis Director Josh Hanna came to The Bridges in 2000, after captaining the University of Vermont Men's Tennis Team. A New Jersey native, Josh's love of Vermont and of tennis is a perfect combination for The Bridges Resort. He teaches "the modern game," and likes to make sure every lesson he teaches comes with some intensity and a lot of enjoyment.
Tennis Programs. The weekly calendar includes several doubles mixers, among them a parent/child round robin (loaner children available to those who did not bring their own), and a well-attended pro exhibition (during July and August). There are also two sessions of daily drills, including the fast-paced Wide Open Workout (WOW). There are four junior programs: the Green Mountain Tennis Adventure for advanced juniors ages 12 and up; Super Champs, an hour-long skill development clinic for those ages 12 and under; Champs, for kids ages 8-11, which runs full and half days midweek; and Camp Bridges, a multi-recreational program that includes tennis for those ages 4-7.
Courts & Fees. The complex consists of 2 hard and 10 clay courts; two of the latter are indoors. Court fees: Free to guests.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about Bridges Family Resort & Tennis Club.

• "The Bridges is a great place for tennis and for family. Josh Hanna, a favorite pro for years, is now the tennis head. In the winter, it is primarily a ski resort, bordering Sugarbush, but with 2 indoor clay courts, and the tennis program is more active than before.
  In the summer, it is a gorgeously located retreat in the green mountains with a friendly, community-like atmosphere all its own, and a great tennis program for all ages and abilities, with kids camps for little ones (not just tennis) and an excellent staff. The proof of the pudding is that while other tennis facilities shrank or closed after the tennis boom, The Bridges became more robust, with families and couples returning there year after year.
  There are many activities nearby, and very good restaurants at all levels. Vermont road biking is legendary, and the Bridges also is the center for the Green Mountain Stage race at the close of he summer. There is new mountian biking at Sugarbush."—B.W., Adv., April 2008

• "If you are looking for a relaxed, comfortable, and family-oriented tennis resort, this is the place for you. Neither elegant or snobby, my wife, 15-year old son, and I were all very satisfied with everthing from the tennis instruction (both private and group), facilities, and the staff. The area is also both interesting and lovely and I don't recall a more relaxing vacation.
  The only negatives were the lack of lights for late evening tennis. Indeed, the whole place shuts down at about 10:00PM, somewhat early for night owls. Otherwise, very highly recommended."—R.S., Adv. Int., July 2007

• "I enjoyed the Bridges for many reasons. I had super instructors who taught me new things to improve my game in big ways ( thanks Josh!) The whole staff was so easy going and really helpful. And of course you can't beat summer in Vermont for great tennis weather.
  I look forward to returning to this well run, exciting tennis resort again and telling my friends all about it!"—L.C., Adv. Int., July 2007

• "Loved it!! The package that includes a 90 minute group workout and a 1 hour private private lesson is a great deal and works. I am a better tennis play from it!!! The best teacher to student ratio going. They are also very flexible, and tolerant to last minute schedule changes. Highly recommend."—N.C., Adv. Int., July 2007

• "Our ladies' group had attended The Bridges for 5 years and then skipped around for 4 years to other top resorts. We went back this year because none could meet the lessons we received at The Bridges. Dave Moore and his staff work hard to meet the individual needs of a group. We had 3 hours of lessons a day. We worked hard and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff even had an exhibition for us so we could see all the principles we had been taught be put to use. We never felt like a "cattle drive". The clinics included no more than 8 people at a time. We will go back there next year!"—C.W., Int., June 2007

Other Recreation

Golf Courses. The Bridges does not have a golf course but guests can play at the nearby Sugarbush course.

Sugarbush Golf Course: Robert Trent Jones designed this 18-hole course. It has a classic mountain layout, notable for its great views and for punishing errant shots. Par: 72. Length: 5,187-6,524 yards. Open May to October.

Fitness Center. There is a small, unattended fitness center in a mirrored room that looks out at the yard around the swimming pool. It contains an assortment of cardiovascular equipment, some Paramount weight-training stations, and some free weights. Aerobic classes are also available.

And ... The rec center has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, and an outdoor playground.

Children's Programs

The resort runs a multi-recreational day camp from Monday through Friday in summer, with half day and full day options. It's geared for kids ages 4-10 and includes tennis, swimming, hiking, and field trips.

Lodging

There are roughly 100 condos altogether at the Bridges, all of them built in two phases—one on the same level as the recreation center, the other on the bluff behind—beginning in 1973. They have 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms and come with a total of six floor plans. Although all of these have been furnished and decorated by the owners they have to meet minimal standards of quality and upkeep for the resort to agree to rent them.

Faced with gray stucco or weathered wood, these units have fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and full decks, most with barbecues. All come with televisions and VCRs (a selection of tapes is available from the main desk). In multi-bath units one or more of baths will have shower only. Master bedroom in some has private entrance. Although bedrooms tend to be small, the condos as a whole are well laid out and inviting. All have Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, a sleeper sofa, and one-day supply of coffee on check in. Late arrivals can fill out shopping list and arrive to a condo stocked with what they need.

Restaurants

Dining at the Bridges itself is limited to a tiny cafe that serves sandwiches, salads, and light fare. There are numerous restaurants in the valley, however.

See Also

For other unpretentious, child-friendly resorts in the mountains with solid tennis and condominium lodging, look at:

• Callaway, Georgia
• Northstar-at-Tahoe, California
• Sunriver, Oregon
• Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
• Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire

For something on the beach, look at:

• Amelia Island Plantation, Florida
• Wild Dunes, South Carolina

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Although the Bridges is open all year, with tennis available on its two indoor courts, the height of the tennis season runs from June to mid October.

Bridges Family Resort & Tennis Club
Warren, VT 05674
802-583-2922
Toll-free: 800-453-2922
Fax: 802-583-1018
Web Link: The Bridges Family Resort & Tennis Club

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Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest major airport is Burlington, Vermont, 45 miles to the northwest. By Car: The resort is 140 miles from Montreal, 190 miles from Boston, and 300 miles from New York City.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing web site or contact them at 6 Baldwin Street, Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-1301; Phone 800-VERMONT (800-837-6668).

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