couloir

[ kool-wahr; French koo-lwar ]

/ kulˈwɑr; French kuˈlwar /

a steep gorge or gully on the side of a mountain, especially in the Alps.

Origin of couloir

1850–55; < French: literally, colander < Late Latin cōlātōrium strainer, equivalent to Latin cōlā(re) to strain, filter + -tōrium -tory²; see coulee

The place they were now in was a very steep, chimney-like rock gully, such as would be known in Alpine parlance as a ‘couloir.’

The White Hand and the Black |Bertram Mitford
None came, and we felt gratified at this confirmation of our judgment as to the safety of this part of the couloir.

Adventures on the Roof of the World |Mrs. Aubrey Le Blond
We will go up this couloir,” he said; “it will be the best, and it will give the young herr his first lesson in climbing snow.

The Crystal Hunters |George Manville Fenn
My hat blew off here, and rolled on its stiffened brim at a tremendous pace down a couloir of ice.

Adventures on the Roof of the World |Mrs. Aubrey Le Blond

We saw clearly that it was only the early hour, before the sun was yet upon the couloir, which protected us from danger.

True Tales of Mountain Adventures |Mrs. Aubrey Le Blond

couloir

/ (ˈkuːlwɑː, French kulwar) /

a deep gully on a mountain side, esp in the French Alps

C19: from French: corridor, from couler to pour; see coulee