tony roberts wrote:

So you fly in the downdraft side. If you can handle that you will get
through.

Depending on the wind situation, you can expect downdrafts of 10 fpm or
even more. No light single will outclimb this, even less at altitude.
It's a key point to fly on the updraft side.

If things get worse, at least your 180 will be into a nice safe
updraft.

There's nothing wrong with turning into a downdraft. Just keep your
speed up and make sure you have always enough air below you.

And before you ask: I've been flying mostly in mountains, too. Mostly in
gliders, the rest in vastly underpowered planes (80 to 100 hp). Learn to
use the weather instead of fighting it.

Stefan