Michael Janulaitis Marion, UT Obituary: Utah Skier Died in Tragic Avalanche Near Hoyt Peak

On the evening of March 7, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near Hoyt Peak in the Uinta Mountains, northeast of Kamas, Utah.

Michael Janulaitis, a 51-year-old backcountry skier from Marion, Utah, was reported missing around 5 p.m. after failing to return home from a ski tour as expected. The Utah Avalanche Center and local authorities were promptly notified, and search efforts were initiated.

Due to hazardous conditions, the search was suspended on Friday night and resumed at first light on March 8. During the search, teams identified a recent avalanche site in the area.

Additional resources were brought in for avalanche mitigation to ensure the safety of the searchers. Tragically, Michael Janulaitis was found deceased at approximately 10:49 a.m. on March 8.

The avalanche, which occurred on a steep, northeast-facing slope of Hoyt Peak, was triggered unintentionally by the skier. The hard slab avalanche measured 43 degrees in slope steepness and had a depth of 3.5 feet, a width of 150 feet, and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. Michael Janulaitis was caught, carried, and buried fully by the avalanche.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael Janulaitis. They also expressed gratitude to the various organizations that assisted in the search and recovery efforts, including the Department of Public Safety, Park City Mountain Resort, and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of avalanche safety and preparedness.