The typical dream vacation goes something like this: white sandy beaches, warm salt water hitting your toes, perhaps a little umbrella drink in your hand, and a nearby pickleball court that’s always available for a game or two. 

Pickleball Getaways and EmpowHer have certainly cornered the market on providing these one-of-a-kind pickleball vacations in exotic locations. 

But I think I found a new pickleball dream vacation that’s suited for snow lovers and skiers who enjoy hitting the court during their offseason.

How about pickleball for après-ski?

The Telluride Ski Resort in Telluride, CO recently highlighted their gorgeous Telluride Racket Club located right on the side of the mountain, and it quickly made my bucket list.

Their courts are the only ski-in/ski-out public courts in the country. Skiers and snowboarders can literally ski down the run to these courts, grab their paddles, and get to dinking with this beautiful backdrop of snow-capped serenity. 

Pickleball, like tennis and padel, is often regarded as more of a spring and summer sport because it’s generally preferred to be played outside. Sure, indoor courts are sweeping the nation for availability reasons, rain or shine, but I’d say that the majority of players would rather get the added benefit of enjoying the great outdoors. 

Just because it’s winter in Colorado, though, doesn’t mean that the outdoor pickleball courts can’t be used. Players might have to bundle up a little bit more. That's all. Wear long johns, fleece-lined pullovers, bring a hot chocolate, and you're good to go.

The view is definitely worth the cold. 

Over the summer, the Telluride Racket Club looks like paradise with tall pine trees surrounding the clay courts, perfectly blue skies, and a spectacular mountain backdrop. It’s like a little slice of heaven. But it’s even more exciting to see how the Racket Club made the mountain side courts accessible year-round. The club even won the USTA Outstanding Facility Award for their efforts.

With lots of viral videos featuring people hitting the slopes with a pickleball paddle and dinking down the mountain, there’s actually a need for an outdoor winter pickleball court. I don’t care how tired I am after skiing all day. If I see this beauty of a court, I’m absolutely stopping to play.

Where’s your dream pickleball court destination? Let us know on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).