The Bridges Family Resort And Tennis Club, Vermont

Passionate about tennis? Here's a comfortable, low-key resort offering excellent instruction in the scenic Green Mountains, Vermont.

Located in the Mad River Valley of central Vermont and nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains, The Bridges offers expert tennis instruction for every skill level — from the casual player to the U.S. Open contender, adult or child — during fun resort stays or intense summer camps. Come winter, this cozy condo resort becomes a great base camp for days of snowsports at nearby mountains.

On the Courts

First and foremost, The Bridges forté is its outstanding tennis program for children and adults. Consistently ranked as one of the “Top 50 U.S. Tennis Resorts” by Tennis Magazine, and recently as one of the “Top 75 Tennis Resorts in the World” by Tennis Resorts Online, it is renowned for its coaching at all levels and its facilities, including eight outdoor Har-Tru (soft clay), two outdoor all weather (hard) and two Har-Tru indoor courts.

It was great to see families sharing an interest for the sport so enthusiastically. The Bridges offers half and full-day Junior programs for children from pre-schoolers through teens. Whether guests are spending the weekend or enrolled in the week-long summer clinics, every player gets equal attention.

Camp Bridges for 4 to 7-year-olds combines activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, games and nature activities with an introduction to tennis. Tiny tots toting tiny racquets looked quite determined to hit the ball served to them by their very patient instructors, many of who are former guests of The Bridges. At our visit, Assistant General Manager Jason Maring commented that the emphasis is on fun for these little ones who “stay lined up as well as a litter of kittens.”

The Champs (ages 7-11) also receive tennis instruction as well as sports and other activities, while the Super Champs and Green Mountain Tennis Adventurers, starting at age 12, attend a tennis-only skills development class, focus on their mechanical development and game evaluation, and participate in an age-appropriate competitive program. The Bridges philosophy is to support and encourage kids at every level.

While the kids are on the courts, you can have the benefit of a 4:1 player to coach ratio and attend workouts and drills, take private lessons with a professional staff, enjoy unlimited court time and game matching. There are Junior Competitions and Parent/Child Tournaments, plus you can relax with cocktails during the weekly exhibitions game between the pros.

Off the Courts & Around the Region

Bridges offers 100 cozy townhouse style units just steps from all the action, in one, two or three-bedroom condos. All units feature cable TV and a VCR, a fireplace or woodstove, and a gas grill on your private deck. Larger units also offer sofabeds and washer/dryers. Your family can swim in the indoor and outdoor pools, swing in the playground, relax in the hot tub or sauna, work-out or attend a fitness class, rent a movie, or hang out in the game room.

The resort’s proximity to Sugarbush (2-minutes via complimentary shuttle) and Mad River Glen (15 minutes), or the Stowe and Killington ski and snowboard resorts (45 minute’s drive) makes it perfect for a winter getaway.

During the spring, summer and fall, golfers can use the Sugarbush Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and participate in nearby adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating and soaring, or go antique shopping and attend local music festivals.

Family-favorite excursions include Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, about 25 minute’s from The Bridges. Drive about an hour away for the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the extensive collection of Americana at the Shelburne Museum near Burlington. When hunger strikes, you can have lunch at The Bridges’ casual poolside café, prepare meals in your condo, or try the many interesting local restaurants.

Details, Details

Condominium rates range from $320-$780 for a two-night’s stay, but there are many money-saving offers that include meals and activities. Tennis buffs should inquire about the Family Plan which includes accommodations, children’s programs, adult coaching, tournament participation and more. In winter, ski packages including lift tickets at Sugarbush are available.