couloir

Definition

A steep gorge along a mountainside.

Etymology

Borrowed from French couloir (literally “corridor”).

Example Sentences

• "Those deep, dark slots in a mountain known as couloirs are often the most obvious routes of ascent."
• "Looking up the face I could see directly into the Japanese and Hornbein couloirs, an almost direct 9000 feet to the summit."
• "Ascend a long, easy snow couloir back left to the crest of Cassin Ridge at 17700 feet, where there is a campsite."