Special Offer

$50 Off 5-Day Sun.-Thurs. Packages

From May 15-July 4, New England Tennis Holidays is giving Tennis Resorts Online users a $50 discount on its five-day Sunday-Thursday package.
To take advantage, phone (800) 869-0949 and say you want the Tennis Resorts Online $50 North Conway Discount.

Tennis players with longish memories associate North Conway, New Hampshire, with the old Volvo International men's tournament, which was played at the Mount Cranmore Racquet Club. Today, former touring pro Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt operate very high quality, 5-hour-a-day summer tennis camps on those same red-clay tournament courts. They put campers up in nearby condos, a mountain lodge, or a New England inn, and then ensure post-clinic camaraderie by adding group dinners at various restaurants in the area hosted by one or more of the pros.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 603-356-9696

For the last several years, New England Tennis Holidays has had a lock on the No. 1 ranking for tennis camps on Tennis Resorts Online's annual reader poll. There are any number of reasons, but two of the most crucial are that Kurt and Clare Grabher, who started the camp more that 20 years ago, never let a season pass without asking what they can do better next year; and they typically hire not college kids but pros with years of teaching experience—the average was 15 years the last time I attended.

The three-hour morning sessions eventually cover all the major strokes as well as singles and doubles strategy. There is a break for lunch at noon—sandwiches, salads, and pastas at the adjacent Sports Club—and then the program continues with videotaping, a series of "Stroke Stations," during which you head for the court that is working on the stroke you want more help with, and the organized sessions end with a round robin. "People want to play," notes Kurt Grabher.

The result is a very balanced program, with a strong instructional component supplemented by a variety of playing situations. Though it runs five hours a day, I would not classify it among the grueling camps. When the afternoon sessions end, campers are typically tired but not exhausted—and a few, in fact, hang around the courts to play a bit more.

It helps, of course, that the camp takes place in northern New Hampshire, where a demanding program takes far less toll than it does in south Florida. And the staff encourages camaraderie by arranging group dinners at a different local restaurant each night, which helps makes this a comfortable option for people who come alone.

Courts & Fees. There are five red-clay courts set in the embrace of the stadium and four indoor hard courts, which can be used in case of inclement weather. Court fees: None for participants.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about New England Tennis Holidays.

• "Everything having to do with Tennis is top rated at NETH It is a seamless operation; when the sun is shining there are five outdoor courts, and in the event of rain you can immediately transfer all tennis activity to the four indoor courts that are right at hand. I have been to both the North Conway and Essex camps and prefer the the North Conway local for the reasons stated above. I have attended the North Conway camp for four years including twice for two summers.
  The Staff are competent, effective and fun to be with. Any level of player with find it to be a useful experience and can't help but come out a better player. My only uniqueness in approach is to buy the tennis only package for a week and scout out my own accommodations,at which I have been very successful. I have been to other tennis camps and all in all this is the best!"—W.F., Adv. Int., May 2008

• ""—S.T., Adv., May 2008

• "I came from Europe for one week tennis vacation and I was very pleased with the camp experience. The instruction, play, food and scenery were above expectations."—M.S., Int., April 2008

• "My team members and I have been to this camp for 6 years. It is our one vacation that we look forward to all year. Last year my husband came along for a great romantic getaway too. We have gone to both the North Conway Camp and the one in Vermont. Great instruction, great food and great areas on the country. Perfect!!!"—B.T., Adv. Int., April 2008

• ""—C.G., Adv., April 2008

• "I have been to several tennis camps, and I throughly enjoyed New England Tennis Holidays. It is far superior than any other camp- from the staff and their instruction, to the drills. I highly recommend spending a week at New England Tennis holidays. Great for any level of play."—C.S.,  April 2008

• "The superb staff didn't try to brainwash me with a new techniques, but worked with me to fine tune the strokes I had brought with me. I especially enjoyed the video analysis of my strokes. I had no idea until I saw what I was doing how to really correct my flaws. Everyone on the staff went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable. The campers were great, no big egos to worry about here. The round robins in the afternoon were a great way to "experiment" with my new toys. The red clay courts made this old body feel young again. Great value for the dollar."—J.K., Adv., April 2008

• "Over the summer i visited the New England tennis camp, and it was one of the best vacations i have had. All the tennis pro's have fantastic humors and i was never bored. Besides the fun i also jumped a level in my tennis. Thank your to all the staff and New England Tennis Camp!"—J.L., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "We have been going to NETH for over 12 years. Guaranteed to bring your tennis to the next level of play. Pros are great with 4-1 ratio. Accomodations are equally top notch as is the dining.
  We look forward to great camaraderie year after year. Lots of fun on and off the court. Beautiful setting in the White Mountains of NH, while hitting on fantastic red clay courts.
  Clearly, NETH sets the gold stardard for tennis camps...it is #1!"—B.S., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "kurt and his experienced staff has improved my tennis more than i had ever anticipated. it was well organized and besides the instruction that i received, the week was filled w/laughs and an overall wonderful experience. the catered lunch was from a local restaurant (peaches), that i found myself there before tennis camp. will come back this summer"—K.S., Int., April 2008

• ""—P.C., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "NETH is wonderful both because of its great teaching and the fabulous atmosphere in N. Conway. The tennis is why I keep going back. Kurt and all the staff really know how to teach ADULTS, which is very rare. They carefully analyze strokes, and work patiently with each camper, even the beginners.
  The fact that the courts are clay makes it easier to play for 5 hours, and then there are all the indoor courts too, so even rain won't dent the camp experience. The mix of exercises, stroke stations, and competition makes this the best of the many camps I've attended."—S.F., Adv. Int., April 2008

Other Recreation

Golf Courses. There is a 9-hole course at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, one of three lodging choices offered by New England Tennis Holidays.

Fitness Center. In addition to indoor and outdoor courts, the Cranmore Sports Club has a complete fitness center with Nautilus equipment, cardiovascular machines, and free weights. There are also aerobics and yoga classes, an indoor climbing wall, and steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Massages can also be arranged. Use of the facility is free to New England Tennis Holiday participants.

And ... If shopping is recreation, then North Conway with its scores of factory outlets and no-tax policy qualifies as a major diversion.

Children's Programs

The Cranmore Sports Club runs an adventure camp for children ages 5-12 from early July to late August. It includes tennis, gymnastics, swimming, crafts, hiking and more and can be arranged daily or weekly. For more information and prices, call 800-786-6754, ext. 5.

Lodging

The more frequently chosen lodging is the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, beautifully situated below the rocky face of White Mountain and surrounded by woods and a 9-hole golf course. Some of the meals are served there, and it has coin-operated washer-dryers for guests' use. One modest disadvantage is that it lies several miles from the Sports Center on the opposite side of town and thus requires you to commute back and forth.

The alternative is to stay in one of the condos near the Sports Center. Large and well appointed, these have full kitchens, fireplaces, washer-dryers, and outside decks. The condo complex also has its own swimming pool. Breakfast is not included if you stay in a condo.

The final option is the 16-room Cranmore Inn, which sits on eight acres roughly one mile from the Sports Club. It has a game room, restaurant, and library.

Restaurants

The package includes dining in a different restaurant each night, including a seafood buffet at the White Mountain Hotel, "Country European" cuisine at Maestro's in town, and excellent pub food at Delaney's.

See Also

If you're looking for an all-day tennis camp with lots of social atmosphere, also check out New England Tennis Holiday's other venue in Vermont or any of the following:

• Nike Amherst Tennis Camp, Massachusetts Summer only
• John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, Texas
• Total Tennis, New York Liveliest summer and early fall

Travel Essentials

Seasons. The programs at Cranmore run from May to mid September.

New England Tennis Holidays
P.O. Box 1648
North Conway, NH 03860
603-356-9696
Toll-free: 800-869-0949
Web Link: New England Tennis Holidays

 

Travel Instructions. The nearest airport is Portland, Maine, an hour and 15 minutes' drive to the south. NETH can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and make sure you have a ride back and forth from you lodging to the courts and dinner, but in truth you'll probably be happier with the freedom that comes with having your own transportation.

General Tourist Information. Visit the New Hampshire Office of Travel & Tourism web site or contact them at 172 Pembroke, P.O. Box 1856, Concord, NH 03302. Phone: 603-271-2343 or 800-FUN-IN-NH.

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