Betty Clayton was known as “Everyone’s Grandmother.” Growing up in NJ she started skiing at a small ski area in the 1930s.  After moving to Manchester, Vermont in 1956 Betty got right into the racing scene, carting her sons around to Bromley so they could compete in the local after school program.  Like many families after the depression, finances were tight but she found a way to make ski racing work for her family.  She joined VARA as a board member in 1981 and made it her mission to assist young athletes who had potential but needed money to achieve their dreams. Betty was extremely dedicated and passionate about the smaller clubs in the state – she was a real voice for them on the VARA board and that voice clearly helped shape our mission and goals to this day.

The Betty Clayton Award is presented to a U21-U16 level athlete who has attained top results while participating in a club program.