Karen Budge Eaton digital photograph collection, 1970s

Karen Budge-Eaton (1945 - )

The skiing exploits of Karen Budge Eaton came early and often for this champion ski racer. They spanned the globe and placed her on the podium often at world-class competitions. In 1963 at age 14, she became the youngest racer from her home town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to join the U.S. Junior National Team. At age 17, she was named to the U.S. Ski Team. In 1965, Karen won the downhill and combined championships at the Junior Nationals.

In 1967, Karen won the downhill at the Canadian National Championships and the overall title at the U.S. National Alpine Championships. In 1971, Karen was third in the combined at the French National Championships and second in the World Cup Giant Slalom. In 1972, she ranked tenth in the world in both giant slalom and downhill.

Every year between 1967 and 1972, Karen was on the U.S. FIS Team or the U.S. Olympic Team. A resident of Middlebury, Vermont, Karen Budge Eaton's inspiring story is one of drive, determination and courage.

Karen was inducted into the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame in 2012. The above biograpical note is from that event.