EP09: Michael Lehmann | The Avalanche Story That Shaped Life in the Mountains

In this episode of The Hangout, Tom sits down with climber and guide Michael Lehmann to explore the reality of building a life in the mountains.Michael shares the story of a serious avalanche accident where he and his partner were swept 300 metres down a mountain and over two cliffs. Both survived, and the experience became a powerful moment of reflection on the decisions and risks that led to it. Beyond the incident, the conversation explores the wider philosophy of life in the mountains - from guiding and expedition logistics to climbing remote objectives - and how high-level climbing often becomes less about strength and more about judgement, problem solving, and managing uncertainty.LinksInstagram: @stokedmikeWebsite: Mike Lehmann PhotographyChapters00:00 – Intro & podcast setup02:00 – Michael’s climbing background and mountain life08:30 – Getting into guiding and working in the outdoors18:00 – The psychological side of guiding and supporting clients25:00 – Career paths in guiding and managing risk in mountain environments32:00 – Climbing as complex problem solving40:00 – Fear, exposure and building confidence in climbing50:00 – Sea stack climbing and the logistics behind remote objectives1:05:00 – Adventures in Tasmania and climbing with friends1:20:00 – Sailing, sea cliffs and expedition access1:35:00 – The avalanche story begins1:45:00 – Triggering the avalanche and the fall down the mountain1:55:00 – Being buried, surviving and the aftermath2:05:00 – Lessons learned and changes to decision making2:15:00 – Mountain culture, mistakes and supporting others after accidents2:20:00 – Closing thoughts on risk, adventure and partnershipKeywordsclimbing podcast, mountaineering, avalanche survival, mountain risk management, climbing philosophy, alpine climbing, sea stack climbing, Tasmania climbing, expedition climbing, adventure storytelling, outdoor leadership, decision making in the mountains, climbing partnerships, mountain guiding, climbing logistics