Getting Into The Mountains

It's usually best to attack the nearest or highest point within reach first, and then explore progressively higher ground as you climb -  or lower peaks if you fail to maintain height.   A high, steep slope may sometimes provide good lift well below the crest, making it possible to arrive there low and gradually climb, but if you lose altitude the slope encroaching from below will continually shrink your usable airspace.   So, the closer you are to terrain that extends above you the more important it is to either climb or get away!