Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,299
North Carolina
Pickleball at Montreat
Program No. 23769RJ
Learn about a new racket sport — pickleball — as you learn from enthusiastic instructors and enjoy some friendly competition in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
Starting at
1,519Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
2
Learning Basic Strokes, Rules & Scoring
Montreat, NC
3
Practicing The Serve & The Return
Montreat, NC
4
The Third Shot & The Dink, Free Time, Line Dancing
Montreat, NC
5
Third Shot, Dinking, The Lob & Overhead
Montreat, NC
6
Wrap-up & Q&A, Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
At a Glance
Discover one of the fastest-growing sports in America as you try your hand at pickleball! Created in the 1960s, pickleball is played by over two million Americans. This racket sport combines elements of tennis and badminton, using a paddle and whiffle ball on a small court. With less running and longer rallies, this game offers opportunities for hours of fun in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn from IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professionals as you enjoy some light-hearted competition. Plus, get the chance to explore lovely Asheville during free time!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Several hours of pickleball daily.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn the rules and techniques of pickleball from experts on the game.
- Develop new strategies through driving, dinking, lobbing and attacking drills, and enjoy rousing hours of play on the court.
- Take in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the quaint city of Asheville.
General Notes
Itinerary and skill levels vary by date.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Russell Elefterion
Russell Elefterion is a 36-year-employee with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department/Tampa. He has been involved with pickleball since 2009. His interest began while officiating matches at the Tampa Bay Senior Games, leading to him taking up the sport and developing pickleball programs in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Coach Russell divides his time in Florida and North Carolina and offers his Suncoast Pickleball "boot camp" programs at Montreat each year. He is an accomplished player and an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Russell Elefterion
View biography
Russell Elefterion is a 36-year-employee with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department/Tampa. He has been involved with pickleball since 2009. His interest began while officiating matches at the Tampa Bay Senior Games, leading to him taking up the sport and developing pickleball programs in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Coach Russell divides his time in Florida and North Carolina and offers his Suncoast Pickleball "boot camp" programs at Montreat each year. He is an accomplished player and an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional.
Paul Coletta
View biography
Paul Coletta is from Flat Rock, N.C. and has won Gold Medals in both singles and doubles at the U.S. Open and at Nationals in Indian Wells California. He is one of the most sought after pickleball instructors in the nation! Paul began playing pickleball when he lived in San Diego after playing tennis and squash for most of his life. He loves to share his knowledge with other players and help the sport grow in popularity!
Tracy Bailey
View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Randy Bagamary
View biography
Randy Bagamary is from Fairview, NC. He has been playing pickleball since 2016. What he loves most about pickleball is passing on his knowledge from his own experiences. There are quite a few higher-level local players that credit Randy with introducing and encouraging them when they first began playing the sport. He has been successful at local tournaments, including a gold medal at his very first tournament in mixed doubles. He is currently an IPTPA certified teacher, working on higher IPTPA levels of certifications.
Michael Fortini
View biography
Michael Fortini, a certified IPTPA instructor with a keen interest in health and a doctorate in health sciences, is driven by curiosity about better pickleball play. He finds joy in exploring the intersection of these diverse fields. His journey has been one of continuous learning and growth in sports health. Michael loves breaking down the sport of pickleball into easy to digest strategies. A teacher for over 40 years in the health field, he strives to make the game as simple as possible.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Montreat, NC
Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15
| 5B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
Discover one of the fastest-growing sports in America as you try your hand at pickleball! Created in the 1960s, pickleball is played by over two million Americans. This racket sport combines elements of tennis and badminton, using a paddle and whiffle ball on a small court. With less running and longer rallies, this game offers opportunities for hours of fun in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn from IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professionals as you enjoy some light-hearted competition. Plus, get the chance to explore lovely Asheville during free time!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn the rules and techniques of pickleball from experts on the game.
- Develop new strategies through driving, dinking, lobbing and attacking drills, and enjoy rousing hours of play on the court.
- Take in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the quaint city of Asheville.
General Notes
Itinerary and skill levels vary by date.
Featured Expert
Russell Elefterion
Russell Elefterion is a 36-year-employee with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department/Tampa. He has been involved with pickleball since 2009. His interest began while officiating matches at the Tampa Bay Senior Games, leading to him taking up the sport and developing pickleball programs in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Coach Russell divides his time in Florida and North Carolina and offers his Suncoast Pickleball "boot camp" programs at Montreat each year. He is an accomplished player and an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Tracy Bailey
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Randy Bagamary
Randy Bagamary is from Fairview, NC. He has been playing pickleball since 2016. What he loves most about pickleball is passing on his knowledge from his own experiences. There are quite a few higher-level local players that credit Randy with introducing and encouraging them when they first began playing the sport. He has been successful at local tournaments, including a gold medal at his very first tournament in mixed doubles. He is currently an IPTPA certified teacher, working on higher IPTPA levels of certifications.
Michael Fortini
Michael Fortini, a certified IPTPA instructor with a keen interest in health and a doctorate in health sciences, is driven by curiosity about better pickleball play. He finds joy in exploring the intersection of these diverse fields. His journey has been one of continuous learning and growth in sports health. Michael loves breaking down the sport of pickleball into easy to digest strategies. A teacher for over 40 years in the health field, he strives to make the game as simple as possible.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Several hours of pickleball daily.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Apr 06 - Apr 11
- Apr 27 - May 02
- May 25 - May 30
- Aug 03 - Aug 08
- Aug 24 - Aug 29
- Sep 21 - Sep 26
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 26 - Oct 31
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
May 25 - May 30, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This pickleball week is for beginners or those who have a skill level lower than 3.5.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Apr 06 - Apr 11
- Apr 27 - May 02
- May 25 - May 30
- Aug 03 - Aug 08
- Aug 24 - Aug 29
- Sep 21 - Sep 26
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 26 - Oct 31
May 25 - May 30, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This pickleball week is for beginners or those who have a skill level lower than 3.5.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 5B | 5L | 5D |
6 expert-led lectures
8 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close by the Inn or by the lake.
Afternoon:
Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room, we'll enjoy a buffet with choice of two entrées, vegetables, a complete salad bar, bread, and desserts; milk, coffee, tea, water available.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. If you cannot stay through lunch at the end of the program, boxed lunches will be available; please make your request for one by the evening of Day Five. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After orientation, we'll get to know each other with icebreaker activities followed by refreshments in the lobby. Enjoy fellowship with fellow students around card and board games in the main lobby. A television is also available to keep you up to date on what’s going on in the world.
Day
2
Learning Basic Strokes, Rules & Scoring
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon. Extent and duration of elective afternoon walking dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
In the dining room, we'll pick from a plentiful buffet of breakfast favorites. Items change daily, but may include biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, fresh oatmeal, among others. Permanent options include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, baked pastries, juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Get ready for a week of exercise, fun, and honing our pickleball skills! At the Dunn Pavilion (covered recreational area) or the Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center (laykold courts) – depending on weather for the week – we’ll begin with a clinic introducing new players to the game, reviewing the basic strokes, the rules, scoring, and effective court positioning. The clinic will be followed by round robin play, during which the professional staff will be available to provide continuing instruction on the basics taught in the clinic. What fun! A refreshment break at our play location will keep us going!
Lunch:
In the dining room, we'll select from a buffet of meats, vegetables, starches, homemade soup, a full salad bar, and desserts; beverage choices of milk, regular and decaf coffee, iced tea, water.
Afternoon:
Starting back shortly after lunch, we'll have an hour and a half of free play with coaching tips from our pros. Following play time, you may elect to walk around Montreat, where you can visit the Heritage Center and hear history stories and learn about some of the buildings and people in Montreat.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening program will feature a local musician/band or storyteller. After the performance, the rest of the evening is at leisure, with activities available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
Day
3
Practicing The Serve & The Return
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
Our pickleball professionals will review activities from the day before and answer any questions we may have about those elements requiring clarification or reinforcement before leading a clinic focusing on the serve and the return of serve. The clinic will be followed by a round robin play during which we will incorporate the lessons from the clinic into actual play. Mid-morning, we'll enjoy some refreshments and fellowship.
Lunch:
in the Assembly Inn dining room.
Afternoon:
We’ll enjoy another afternoon of supervised round robin play. Afterwards, if you have the energy and interest, there is a good chance for a walk in the woods.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening activity may consist of a dance, concert, or a visit from a storyteller. Afterwards, we'll have games, cards, and a TV available in the lobby.
Day
4
The Third Shot & The Dink, Free Time, Line Dancing
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning. Walking to the barn; line dancing approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
After reviewing the lessons from our first two clinics, today’s instruction will focus on the more difficult and crucial “third shot” and the “dink.” After the clinic, there will be supervised round robin play to practice our lesson. Once again, we'll have a break for refreshments.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
In the dining room, we'll sit down for a delicious farm-to-table meal from a number of area sources.
Evening:
Tonight is time for line dancing! Let's keep going with some music and movement. Cards, puzzles, and board games are available in the lobby of the Inn for more fellowship and enjoyment.
Day
5
Third Shot, Dinking, The Lob & Overhead
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
The pickleball staff will review the objectives of the first three days and incorporate the third shot and dinking strategies into their games before leading a clinic focusing on the lob and the overhead. There will also be discussion on how to reduce unforced errors. Supervised round robin play after the lesson will provide an opportunity for us to practice these new techniques. There will be refreshments to keep us going.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
We’ll enjoy our last afternoon of supervised round robin play.
Dinner:
In the dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a last evening together as a group (probably a concert), followed by an opportunity for games/cards/TV in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow.
Day
6
Wrap-up & Q&A, Program Concludes
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
Our week will wrap up with a video and a Q&A session with the pickleball staff. This is an opportunity to refresh ourselves on specific points of play or situations you may have encountered during the week. We’ll all leave for home with a new set of skills and new friends! Our program will conclude by 10:30 a.m., giving us some time to check out of our rooms by 11:00 a.m. and take an opportunity to take one last walk around the lake or visit the stores before lunch.
Lunch:
In the dining room. Those who requested box lunches can pick them up anytime after breakfast. This concludes our program.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- May 25, 2025 - May 30, 2025
- Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- May 25, 2025 - May 30, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 11 Reviews
Sort By:
This was the first time I have received pickle ball training. I thought the coaches did a good job and I learned a lot of new techniques and strategies. Now I need a lot of practice. Accommodations and food were good. I enjoyed meeting new people. All-in-all a good experience.
— Review left September 9, 2024
Montreat is a beautiful location to host Pickleball. The instructors were knowledgeable and provided great instruction to our class. They divided us into 3 groups based on experience levels. My expectations were for a more advanced level of instructions based on the description for this class. I believe only a third of the class were at that level. That said, I did learn a few drills and enjoyed our daily practice sessions. The courts are converted tennis courts with tape markings. It takes getting used to the various court markings. Some of the courts we used had huge cracks in them, if the ball hit a crack it would affect the trajectory of the ball. Overall, this course should be marketed more towards 2.5 - 3.5 level, it is not for experienced players.
— Review left August 31, 2024
Learned a great deal about pickleball and had a chance to play a lot! Got in 99,000 steps that week
— Review left June 10, 2024
The pickleball program was oustanding! I'm so eager to continue playing often now that I've developed some skills and confidence. The setting at Montreat is beautiful
— Review left May 4, 2024
This location was magical! Leaves were just starting to turn. A Road Scholar yoga group was also there and everyone got to join in on the morning stretch. The pickle ball instructors were laid back and very knowledgeable. The food was very healthy and good and good for us. Enjoyable!
— Review left November 11, 2023
Montreat was wonderful. It’s a beautiful place, well cared for and managed. The meals were very good, with a variety for vegetarians and omnivores.
Pickleball for Beginners quickly evolved to focus more on intermediate techniques, despite a number of true beginners like myself. Little emphasis on beginner skills, footwork or safety. Often felt chaotic to me. On the 3rd day I fell during practice and fractured my pelvis. Luckily there were some local residents playing nearby who came to my aid, otherwise my partner and I were on our own in an unfamiliar place. No plan in place by instructors to deal with the situation. Painful lesson. Disappointed.
— Review left October 26, 2023
Russell & Kevin are excellent coaching pickleball! Take the class well worth it!
— Review left October 6, 2023
Had a good time
— Review left August 30, 2023
As a complete novice, I had no idea what to expect, but both the coaches and the other participants were amazingly patient and supportive. I had a great time, and I purchased equipment and signed up for pickleball clinics as soon as I got back. Very glad I took a chance on a new experience.
— Review left August 20, 2023
If you are getting started playing pickleball, this program is meant for you. A great introduction into the mechanics of the game, score-keeping, player positioning. My head was jammed with information by the end of the week and I was watching pickleball videos in my spare time. I can't wait to play at home!
— Review left August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this RS beginners Pickleball program at Montreat in NC (May 28-June 2, 2023). As someone who has never played or seen the game, I had a great time learning and enjoyed the instructors, met some wonderful new friends, and just enjoyed being in a beautiful setting!
— Review left June 23, 2023
