Wilderness Timeshare Resorts
Wilderness timeshare resorts are woodsy retreats, the types of places people go when they want to unplug, unwind, and get lost amid towering trees in the heart of lush forests. They can be wintertime or summertime getaways offering everything from hiking to mountain climbing to bicycling. Horseback riding tends to be popular at these resort destinations, as does lake fishing.
The key to purchasing a timeshare unit at a wilderness-style resort is to find one that offers a bevy of activities — enough to keep an entire family busy for a week. Since these resorts also tend to be out of the way of civilization, you also should look for one that has multiple restaurants offering various styles of cuisine. In-house shopping areas will also be a plus, as will be complimentary transportation to and from the airport (which may be as far as an hour or more away in some cases).
Gala Fjellgrend
One of Interval International's Five Star Award properties, this resort is located about 135 miles from the airport in Oslo, Norway, close to the site of the 1952 Winter Olympics and within easy driving distance of fjord country and the glaciers. It is open all year round, with activities that include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, and walking.
While this resort is based in Norway's cultural center, it is located in the heart of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, high above sea level with views of Lake Gala and the Jotunheimen Mountains — giving it a feel of being truly in the heart of the wilderness. Private cabins are available to further enhance your out-of-the-way ambience with amenities that include fireplaces and direct access to the downhill and cross-country skiing trails.
Hyatt High Sierra Lodge
This timeshare resort is located in Incline Village, Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. While that does mean that it is not technically out in the wilderness, it does promote many activities that wilderness buffs tend to favor. These include hiking, bicycling, and jogging trails, along with skiing, snowboarding, fishing, horseback riding, and even hot-air balloon adventures. Golf, a spa, and a full-service casino are also among your options for vacation-time fun, and the timeshare units include natural gas fireplaces and master-bath whirlpool tubs.
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What is nice about a resort like the Hyatt High Sierra Lodge is that it offers all of the fun of the wilderness within spitting distance of civilization. If you are the type of person who likes to get out there — but not too far out there — a resort like this may suit you perfectly.
Lake Okanagan Resort
When bird-watching trails are part of a timeshare resort's sales pitch, you can bet you will enjoy more than a taste of the wilderness during your visit. Such is the case with Lake Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. It sits within 300 acres of designated parkland and has earned the Gold Crown designation from Resort Condominiums International.
The interesting thing about this resort is that its hiking trails, horse stables, and lakefront views give it a strong feeling of the wilderness, yet it also offers a golf course, tennis courts, and even a marina. And, should you tire of the great outdoors and want a bit more human social activity, there are nearly two dozen wineries in the area for tastings and tours.
