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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of couloir
Operations conducted by mountain rescue units and sheriff's office helicopters led to the discovery of personal belongings at the top of a steep couloir, authorities said.
—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couloir
Noun
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At Garland Ranch, trails climb from the Carmel River through oak woodland, chaparral and shaded canyons with the sort of views that drew people to California in the first place.
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The Colorado River Headwaters Byway is an 80-mile National Scenic Byway that winds through mountain towns, passing alpine lakes, hot springs, and canyon overlooks.
Noun
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
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If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas.
Noun
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To compensate for winter’s period of lean rations, however, flatties gorge in spring to ease their wake-up hunger pangs and again in fall to gain weight like bears preparing for hibernation.
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This beloved New York State summertime tubing run starts at Table Rock and sends riders through a stunning chasm that cuts through a gorge.
Cite this Entry
“Couloir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couloir. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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