KAMAS, Utah — Authorities have confirmed the identity of the 51-year-old man who tragically lost his life in an avalanche while skiing near Hoyt Peak in Summit County. Michael Janulaitis, a resident of Marion, Utah, was reported missing on the evening of March 7 after he failed to return home from a backcountry skiing trip.
According to the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), the Summit County Sheriff’s Office received a report at approximately 5 p.m. that Janulaitis had not made it back that night. Search and Rescue (SAR) teams were immediately dispatched, but due to hazardous conditions, the search was called off for the night. Plans were put in place to resume efforts the following morning.
When the search resumed on March 8, SAR teams located an area where an avalanche had recently occurred. At first, it was unclear whether Janulaitis had been involved in the incident. As search efforts continued, additional resources were brought in for avalanche mitigation, allowing teams to safely search the affected area. Just before 11 a.m., Janulaitis’ body was found.
Reports indicate that Janulaitis had accessed the terrain via a snowbike before skiing a steep slope in Hoyt Bowl. He was reportedly caught and carried by the avalanche while skiing the area, which ultimately led to his tragic death.
This marks the fifth avalanche-related death in Utah during the 2024-2025 winter season. The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a warning to all backcountry recreationists to exercise extreme caution as avalanche conditions remain highly hazardous throughout the region.
Authorities continue to urge those venturing into the backcountry to check avalanche forecasts, carry appropriate safety gear, and ensure they are properly trained in avalanche rescue techniques.
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by avalanches in the mountainous regions of Utah, where backcountry recreation continues to be a popular, yet perilous activity.