as in canyon
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
at one point the steep, ice-encrusted walls of the couloir are no more than 50 feet apart
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Recent Examples of couloir
For expert skiers, Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall is an irresistible swath of terrain riven by steep chutes and couloirs, all of it requiring hiking to access.
—
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Be sure to tick off the Supreme Bowl— packed with tight, fast couloirs—when conditions permit.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Feb. 2026
Each year, the fearless freeriders huck themself off the resort’s infamous couloir during the King’s and Queen’s of Corbet’s event (February 8-15, 2026).
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 20 Dec. 2025
Many of these ski lines are clustered in the same drainages, but while in years past Noyes has been able to complete multiple descents in a day, this year, the hot April sun shortened the windows during which those couloirs would be safe from wet avalanches.
—Jake Stern, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
For more than eight hours, rescuers worked to reach the hikers and lower them from the couloir.
—Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 27 May 2024
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Be sure to tick off the Supreme Bowl— packed with tight, fast couloirs—when conditions permit.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Feb. 2026
Each year, the fearless freeriders huck themself off the resort’s infamous couloir during the King’s and Queen’s of Corbet’s event (February 8-15, 2026).
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 20 Dec. 2025
Many of these ski lines are clustered in the same drainages, but while in years past Noyes has been able to complete multiple descents in a day, this year, the hot April sun shortened the windows during which those couloirs would be safe from wet avalanches.
—Jake Stern, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
For more than eight hours, rescuers worked to reach the hikers and lower them from the couloir.
—Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 27 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couloir
Noun
-
To make the case, everyone who cares about the magnificent red-rock canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Southern Utah needs to act now.—
Scott Braden,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
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That diversity is reflected in the country’s landscapes—from desert canyons to alpine peaks and coastal shores—as well as in its regional cuisines, local traditions, and one-of-a-kind experiences.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
Noun
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On May 2, rescuers were sent to the trail after getting reports of a hiker who'd fallen into a ravine, the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team said in a statement.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The Torrent de Pareis gorge, clifftop castles and sea-facing ridgelines reward the climb.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
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Choose the Tuckasegee River Excursion to explore the nearby town of Dillsboro, or board the Nantahala Gorge Excursion to ride along the river and spend time at the famed gorge.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couloir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couloir. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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