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Pickleball & Tennis in Vail
Vail summer days are the perfect time to gather your crew for a rousing game of tennis or pickleball. Rally on sunlit courts, listen to the crisp pop of racquets hitting rubber and partake in some friendly competition surrounded by the rugged Gore Range. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or sharpening your serve, Vail’s pickleball and tennis facilities welcome players of all ages and skill levels.
Read on to discover where to find indoor and outdoor courts, book lessons and rent equipment, plus score a few insider tips.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fast-paced game with simple rules and minimal equipment. All you need to play is a court, a square-shaped paddle and a perforated ball. Snag a friend to compete in one-on-one matches (singles) or gather your group for a two-on-two face-off (doubles). Try it outdoors to savor Vail’s bluebird skies and fresh mountain breezes or take advantage of indoor courts during chillier months.
Fun Fact: Pickleball was invented as a way to entertain two families on a lazy summer day in 1967 — making it a great family-friendly activity.
How Is Pickleball Different From Tennis?
Both pickleball and tennis are indoor/outdoor sports that can be played one-on-one or in two-person teams. However, tennis has more complex rules around scoring and requires a bigger court and different gear.
Where Can I Play Pickleball & Tennis in Vail?
Indoor Pickleball Courts for Winter Days
Red Sandstone Elementary School
551 N. Frontage Rd. W., Vail, CO 81657
Even when snow blankets the trails and our ski slopes buzz with activity, pickleball in Vail stays in full swing at Red Sandstone Elementary School. From November to March, the school’s indoor gym transforms into a lively gathering place for players eager to keep their paddles moving.
These winter-only courts are open to the public Saturdays and Sundays 12–4 p.m. for 1.5-hour sessions — no Vail residency or reservations are required. Simply drop in with your team and pay the court fee to play; just bring an extra pair of dry shoes and your own equipment. There’s free parking available across from the school at the Red Sandstone Parking Garage. To get in touch with winter staff, text the pickleball phone at 970-390-2952 or email [email protected].
Insider Tip: Looking for a game or members to complete your foursome? Check out Vail Recreation District’s pickleball partner page to find other players of all levels in the community.
Soak Up the Sunshine at Vail’s Top Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Bill Wright Tennis Center
700 S. Frontage Rd. E., Vail, CO 81657; 970-479-2294
Open June through October, the Bill Wright Tennis Center offers eight Har-Tru clay courts framed by aspen-peppered mountainsides. All ages and skill levels are welcome, with programs for both kids and adults to try something new or hone their skills. Join open doubles sessions during the week or reserve a court for a private game. You can also stop by the full-service pro shop to restring your racquet or take advantage of rentals if you’re traveling light.
Insider Tip: Park at the adjacent Ford Park Parking Lot or hop on Vail’s free bus system, which conveniently stops just outside the center.
Golden Peak Pickleball Center
461 Vail Valley Dr., Vail, CO 81657; 970-390-2952
Near the base of Vail Mountain, Golden Peak Pickleball Center (open summer through early fall) welcomes players with six cushioned outdoor courts. Book a spot in advance to lock in your play time or simply drop in and check for an open court. Before your match, grab a rental paddle and fill your bottle at the water station. Beginners can join seasonal weekly clinics designed to teach the basics, while youth summer camps introduce younger players to the sport.
Insider Tip: There are only eight designated parking spaces at these courts, so park at the Vail Village Parking Structure and ride the bus over. Or take the 10-ish minute walk for a pre-game warmup.
Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
4695 Vail Racquet Club Dr., Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-4840
Tucked in tranquil East Vail, Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort boasts a stunning backdrop for days of outdoor play. The 10 courts — seven for tennis and three for pickleball — offer sweeping nature views. Volley for the final point May to October (or until whenever the snow starts).
Court access is complimentary for resort guests or visitors can purchase a day pass at the front desk. To guarantee your spot, reserve a court: up to 48 hours in advance for club members and 24 hours in advance for rental guests and day-pass holders. You can also book tennis lessons or join camps, clinics and special events for players. Forgot your gear? Snag a seasonal racquet and paddle rental at the front desk.
Booth Creek Park
Manns Ranch Rd., Vail, CO 81657
A cozy pocket park located in East Vail, Booth Creek Park features two seasonal, public tennis courts along with a covered picnic area, restrooms, a small open field and a kid-approved playground.
Bring your tennis equipment for singles and doubles games — though you may need to wait your turn since the courts are first come, first served. After match point, lounge and bask in the sunshine on Adirondack chairs. Or watch the kids conquer the jungle gym and create imaginative symphonies on playset instruments.
Insider Tip: There are nine spots for street parking on Manns Ranch Road along with one wheelchair-accessible spot with easy sidewalk access. For larger groups, carpool or take the bus to the nearby Bald Mountain Road stop.
Top image courtesy of Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
Before You Hit the Court: Pickleball & Tennis FAQs
Are pickleball and tennis hard to learn?
With straightforward rules, clear court boundaries and basic serving techniques, pickleball is an easy sport to learn. All you need is the right equipment, friends for a match and a space to play — and you’ll be scoring points in no time.
By comparison, tennis takes a bit more practice to master. Learning to control the ball and sustain a rally often comes down to proper technique — that’s where lessons come in. At places like Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort and Bill Wright Tennis Center, sessions and clinics with experienced pros help beginners build confidence and improve their game for more exciting matches while on vacation.
Do any Vail lodgings have tennis or pickleball courts on the property?
Yes, there are a few Vail lodgings with on-site courts. At Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort, rental guests have complimentary access to both tennis and pickleball areas or non-guests can purchase a day pass. Other accommodations like Vail Spa Condominiums have private courts reserved for guests.
Is there a fee to use Vail’s pickleball and tennis courts?
It depends on where you choose to play. Some — like the two public tennis courts at Booth Creek Park — are free, while others have a fee. If you’re planning to spend time honing your skills during vacation, you may want to choose accommodations with complimentary access to their on-site courts.
Can I reserve a court ahead of time?
Many facilities, like the Golden Peak Pickleball Center and Bill Wright Tennis Center, allow you to book courts in advance.
Do I need my own pickleball and tennis equipment?
If you’re playing at a maintained facility, many offer equipment for rent or sale. If you’re headed to a free, public court, you’ll likely need to bring your own balls, racquets and paddles.
