In the 2e Ravenloft adventure Ship of Horror a snow golem entry appears. The snow golem later reappears in Ravenloft Appendix 3 Creatures of Darkness. While they don't have the titles lesser and greater, it seems to be the case.
The Ravenloft Appendix 3 stats of the Snow Golem (greater snow golem),
XP value of 7,000
AC 1
2 attacks per round
releases a cloud of scalding steam when harmed by magical fire
sunders weapons when struck
The Ship of Horror stats of the Snow Golem (lesser snow golem)
XP value of 6,000
AC 6
1 attack per round
Also the Appendix 3 golem is described as "First discovered on the arctic island of Todstein (as described in the adventure Ship of Horror), snow golems are similar to greater golems. Like others of their ilk, they are usually employed to guard an important item or entryway."
While the one from Ship of Horror as "A snow golem is a weak version of a greater golem. It is created in the same manner as any other golem"
So the ones in the island seems to be the prototypes.
The Ravenloft Appendix 3 stats of the Snow Golem (greater snow golem),
XP value of 7,000
AC 1
2 attacks per round
releases a cloud of scalding steam when harmed by magical fire
sunders weapons when struck
The Ship of Horror stats of the Snow Golem (lesser snow golem)
XP value of 6,000
AC 6
1 attack per round
Golem, Snow (Ravenloft) | AD&D Complete Compendium
First discovered on the arctic island of Todstein (as described in the adventure Ship of Horror), snow golems are similar to greater golems. Like others of their ilk, they are usually employed to guard an important item or entryway.
www.completecompendium.com
While the one from Ship of Horror as "A snow golem is a weak version of a greater golem. It is created in the same manner as any other golem"
So the ones in the island seems to be the prototypes.