Skier killed by avalanche near Hoyt Peak identified
Mar 8, 2025, 10:12 AM | Updated: Mar 9, 2025, 3:58 pm
Photos taken at the scene where search and rescue crews were out looking for a reported missing person on Hoyt Peak. (Alex Cabrero, KSL TV)
(Alex Cabrero, KSL TV)
KAMAS, Utah — Search and Rescue teams found the body of a backcountry skier they were looking for near Hoyt Peak on Saturday.
According to the Utah Avalanche Center, 51-year-old Micheal Janulaitis was skiing when an avalanche was triggered. He was caught, carried down the bowl below Hoyt Peak, and fully buried.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the Utah Avalanche Center said in an X post.
— UtahAvalancheCenter (@UACwasatch) March 8, 2025
Sgt. Felicia Sotelo of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office said they received a report of an overdue backcountry skier at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday. The skier was believed to have been skiing alone near Hoyt Peak.
According to Sotelo, the missing skier is either a family member or a friend of the person who made the report.
Sotelo said search teams were immediately deployed. However, due to hazardous conditions, the search had to be temporarily suspended late on March 7.
The initial search revealed that an avalanche had recently occurred in the area. At the time, it was unclear if Janulaitis was involved.
The search resumed early on March 8 with additional resources. According to Utah Avalanche Center’s preliminary report, mitigation efforts were also used.
“Tragically, at 10:49 AM on March 8, the overdue skier was found deceased. It was determined that the individual had been caught in the avalanche,” said Sotelo in a press release.
Sotelo thanked the Department of Public Safety, Park City Mountain Resort Rescue Team, Wasatch Back Search & Rescue, and the Utah Avalanche Center who also helped with search and rescue efforts.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
Diana Jones also contributed to this story.
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