Fred was born in Glarus, Switzerland and became known for his skiing abilities before he appeared on the American scene in 1940. Fred was exposed to skiing from the time he was born. His father, Christof, was an officer in the Swiss Army with foresight and realized the value of skis for mountain transportation. Fred virtually grew up on skis. While in his teens, Fred taught skiing in Switzerland and later in Austria. During the late thirties, some of Fred's impressive victories were the Grand Prix de Chamonix at Glaciers, the Brevant-Chamonix, and the Lognon Downhill. His most impressive win was the all-time record at the Grand Prix de Aiguille du Midi - this race was discontinued because it was too dangerous.

In 1939, Fred emigrated to the United States and became a ski instructor at America's premiere ski resort - Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1940. In 1947, Fred moved to Aspen, Colorado, to become Colorado's notable ski instructor and pioneer of innovations of skiing.