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Whistler/Blackcomb in Canada's British Columbia is best known for its stellar—and year-round—skiing,  but savvy tennis players have also discovered that this award-winning resort also has an exceptional tennis venue in the Whistler Racquet Club. Former Top 50 player Marjorie Blackwood, a three-time Canadian champion, directs the programs with the help of her co-director and National Masters Doubles Champion Peter Schelling. During her career, Blackwood scored wins over Virginia Wade, Pam Shriver and Helena Sukova, among others. Between them this husband and wife team run a stellar operation, which deserves to be better known beyond the Northwest, not only for the quality and diversity of their programs but also for the exceptionally economical prices, especially for anyone whose currency has held up better than the Canadian dollar.
The club has 10 hard courts (three of them covered), grouped around a clubhouse with a fireside bar/lounge, pro shop, and exercise room. Many summer weekends are given over to special programs, including special camps with former players from the ATP Tour. From late June to mid August, there are also 3-hour-a-day midweek camps for juniors. Meanwhile, even if you miss one of the camps, you can look forward to socials, leagues, and game matching while having full access to all the summer mountain recreation Whistler/Blackcomb offers. Lodging rates for campers remarkably reasonable, making this at once a superb tennis getaway and uncommon bargain.
Here's what others have had to say about Whistler Racquet Club.
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"Marg and Pete are wonderful instructors. Group camps and individual lessons are both incredibly productive and fun and will improve your level of play. Plus, time in Whistler outside of the lessons is wonderful!"—C.H., Int., August 2008
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"This was a first class camp; great instruction, fabulous mountain scenery, excellant drills and time to socialize too over wonderful food. Full dinner on first night and welcome brunch after last morning of camp."—L.B., Adv. Int., August 2008
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"very friendly and exceptional instructors;
very organize set up in a fun and pleasant atmosphere;good food with good value;"—S.L., Int., August 2008
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"Whistler Raquet Club offers a beautiful setting for a tennis camp. Three fantastic hours per day featuring tons of varied drills to improve ones court coverage, strategy, and confidence. The pace may have been designed to keep one from becoming bored (absolutely not!) but I would have been happy to stay with any particular drill for a longer time to help groove the skills being taught, although drills were repeated throughout camp. Video feedback was also part of the package enabling one to take home a disc for future evaluation. Will definitely attend again!"—C.D., Int., August 2008
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"Whistler tennis camps are a worthwhile experience mainly because of the top-quality coaching. Marjorie, Peter, and Kirk are three amazingly talented tennis players and coaches. They can pinpoint strengths and weaknesses easily and communicate in a way that is easily understood. Besides tennis, Whistler offers beautiful hotels, restaurants, stores, and adventures that are suitable for any person. I have been a faithful fan of Whistler tennis camps for several years and would come to any camp anytime.
 I have experienced a custom camp and have to say that I have gained more from that type because of the quantity of one-on-one attention. I felt I gained more from exclusivity to Marjorie's expertise. I love Peter too and would love to have both for a larger custom camp. I would follow the two around the world to have a camp if the cost of expenses was allowable!!"—A.R., Adv. Int., August 2008
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"I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Whistler Racquet Club's tennis camps for anyone who wants to improve their tennis and have fun doing it. It is very high quality coaching along with getting to hit tons of balls to reinforce good technique. Marjorie, Peter, Kirk, Jamie, and Scotty are so well organized and their drill sessions go off like clock work. We just returned from our 6th year of going there and like every other year, we thoroughly enjoyed the camp (and Whistler)."—J.N., Adv. Int., August 2008
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"My first tennis camp, I was impressed. The staff was very professional and some match play with the pro's was fantastic and sobering. On the last day I found myself hitting the ball deeper with more consistency and playing at a higher level. The instruction was first rate with the goal of making you a better player. I will go there again."—J.W., Int., August 2008
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"Prior to going to the Adult Tennis Camp at Whistler, I have enjoyed several years of exceptional private and group lessons at my home club. The coaches at Whistler surpassed my high standards: they were professional, talented, positive and fun. The drills and lessons were well planned and ran like clock work. This is a demanding work-out, and a great vacation! Special thanks to coach Marjorie Blackwood - a pro in every way!"—T.R., Int., August 2008
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"Great camp. I enjoyed everything. Would be a real plus if you could attend with a tennis partner."—I.J., Adv. Int., August 2008
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"This is the best sports camp I've attended. Instruction was personalized, with immediate, on-court feedback. The opportunity to replay the drill or point always allowed players to end with a success.
Transitions between stations, strategy and stroke drills, was both smooth and quick. Great organization meant participants were never left waiting around.
The enthusiasm and support of the teaching pros was exceptional. Focus was always on the student. Camp was easily worth twice the money!"—M.S., Adv. Int., July 2008
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"Strengths: great doubles stategies, great coaching
Weaknesses: too many people per camp (19)and need to group players by level"—J.T., Adv. Int., July 2008
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"Everything was excellent as usual! 5th year running and can't wait to go back for a fall clinic...Highly recommended...and the weather and scenery were phenomenal as an added bonus!"—T.R., Adv. Int., July 2008
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| Sept. 12-14, 2008 |
Drills/Skills/Matchplay Camp
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For players with NTRP rating of 3.0-4.5 (groupings are by ability). The three day camp comprises 10½ hours of drills and play with an emphasis on dealing with competitive situations, including a tournament on Saturday afternoon. Groupings are by ability. This particular session emphasizes doubles drills and skills plus matchplay. |
| Nov. 7-9, 2008 |
Intermediate Art of Doubles Tennis Camp
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For NTRP 3.0-4.0. Camps cover doubles tactics and teamwork, with an emphasis on covering the net more effectively for good doubles play. Special attention paid to improving volley technique, importance and timing of the split step, team movement, and the role of all four doubles positions. |
| Nov. 14-16, 2008 |
Advanced Art of Doubles
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For NTRP 4.0-5.0 players comfortable and effective at the net and be able to execute a consistent serve and volley. Quality time is spent on the Server's Partner and Receiver's partner crossing more at net, poaching moves, I-formation and more advanced doubles tactics, with further emphasis serve and return of serve for advanced doubles. |
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If Whistler appeals to you, also check out:
Seasons. Summer into early fall.
Rates.
The club has special lodging arrangements with the Summit Lodge (888-913-8811 or 604-932-2778), which has studios, and the Coast Whistler Hotel (800-663-5644 or 604-932-2522), which has hotel rooms, for anyone registered in its tennis camps (ask for the Whistler Racquet Club camp rate).
Reservations:
Whistler Racquet Club
4500 Northlands Blvd.
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 Canada
604-932-1991
Fax: 604-932-0445
Web Link: Whistler Racquet Club
Internet Rates! Lodging in Whistler/Blackcomb. Check For Internet Specials
General Tourist Information. Visit the Whistler Resort Association web site or contact them at 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC Canada V0N 1B4. Phone: 800-944-7853 or 604-664-5625 or Fax: 604-938-5758. Or for general information about travel in British Columbia, log on to the Tourism British Columbia web site or phone them toll-free at 800 HELLO BC. |
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