Industry News
A 51-year-old local skier was caught and killed in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry near Hoyt Peak, Utah. The victim was identified by the Utah Avalanche Center as Michael Janulaitis of Marion, Utah. Janulaitis was reported missing Friday evening after he failed to return home as expected. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 5 p.m. and immediately launched a search operation. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area but were forced to suspend efforts late that night due to hazardous conditions. The search resumed at sunrise on Saturday, and at 10:49 a.m., Janulaitis was found deceased.
According to the Utah Avalanche Center, Janulaitis had accessed the terrain using a snow bike before transitioning to skis on a steep, northeast-facing slope in Hoyt Bowl. The avalanche that took his life occurred on a 43° slope, in a section of the Uinta Mountains known for its complex, tree-laden terrain. Officials say he was caught, carried, and ultimately buried by the slide.
The backcountry around Hoyt Peak, located northeast of Kamas City, is a popular but challenging area for experienced skiers and riders. The region saw variable snowfall this season, with a slow start to the season before a mid-February storm brought 36 inches of dense, heavy snow accompanied by strong winds. Avalanche conditions remained elevated in the weeks that followed, as new snow layered over an unstable base. The Utah Avalanche Center released a preliminary report, noting the difficult conditions that complicated both the avalanche forecast and the subsequent recovery efforts.
“Michael was a friend of Utah Avy. This is a tremendous loss for our backcountry family, and we will miss him deeply.”
— Utah Avalanche Center
Janulaitis was well-known in the backcountry skiing community, and his passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the region. The Utah Avalanche Center, along with search and rescue teams, expressed their condolences to his family and friends. “We come to you with heavy hearts and great sadness this morning,” the Utah Avalanche Center wrote in a post on Twitter (X). “We feel privileged for the time we got to spend together.”
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to the multiple agencies that assisted in the search and recovery, including Park City Mountain Snow Experts, Park City Mountain RECCO, the Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau, and the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue Team.
Janulaitis’ death is a stark reminder of the risks posed by backcountry travel in avalanche terrain. Local officials continue to urge skiers and riders to check daily avalanche forecasts, carry proper safety equipment, and avoid traveling alone in high-risk areas.
