"When wishes are out of reach, simulation is taking over our leisure time and our holidays. Imaginary worlds are created, often under massive technological exertion, in order to offer us experience as reproducible merchandise. Although the quality of these adventures on demand sometimes proves to be rather dubious, the boom does shed light on one thing: the yearnings and dreams underlying people’s daily lives."
Jens Lindworsky
Skiing, including the whole après-ski circus, in Dubai, singing gondoliers in front of an imitation of the Campanile in Las Vegas, an indoor South Sea beach at the “Tropical Islands” near Berlin – the range of artificial attractions vying for attention is expanding every day.
Here simulation plays a key role: it produces the additional emotional value that promises to put our experiences on a higher level. Thus the Allrounder Winterworld in Neuss, Germany guarantees to provide not only indoor skiing, but also “the enjoyment of everything that you expect from a great ski vacation.” Thus the facility does not create an impression akin to that of a functional skating rink, but boasts wooden huts and artificial pine trees bordering the slopes. The waitresses look like they just stepped out of The Sound of Music.