Side Country describes the ski or snowboarding zone just outside a ski area boundary.

Unlike Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding where the riders hike in for access, Side Country is accessed from the lifts of a ski resort.

Several ski and snowboard manufacturers started building a product category called "Side Country" in 2008 which combine characteristics of lift-served skis and snowboards and backcountry or off-piste specific products.