RIP: Freddie "Hot Dog" Snalam - d. 3/11/02

Eight years ago today, Freddie “Hot Dog” Snalam was killed in an avalanche while ice climbing in La Grave, France. Well known in Boulder as the purveyor of hot dogs on the Boulder Pearl St mall, Freddie touched many people, in many different ways.

Always cheerful, he was just as happy taking a female friend (or “bird” as he would say) up Hillbilly Rock in the Flatirons, or climbing an alpine route in the Alps, or sloshing back pints at the Hungry Toad. He was one of those people who could light up any room when he entered. His ability to talk his way into (or out of) anything, desire for adventure, and a devotion to the good life made him a great friend and companion.

One time we walked into a tea house in Nepal, and from the back of a smoke filled room came a shout “It’s Hot Dog Freddie”. So common was this greeting when he was away from home that he didn’t miss a beat. He just settled down for a beer and a chin wag.

His web site – alpineworld.com – is still up and running. Old friends and companions are invited to contribute thoughts and memories to his memorial page.

As you would have said Fred – “Watch this, mate!”

Thank you for the post. I miss him in the world and think of him often. My father (a master parachute rigger) did some work for him many years ago when he was doing some para-gliding; thats how I met him. He and I had a way of running into each other in random places over the years. I always enjoyed seeing him and conversing. Alan-