Mountain flying in glider many times is self taught, as in my case. Years ago as a low time young glider pilot in my first season of XC flying, I was on a safari flying out of Lone Pine in an ASW-24. I was thermalling in a ravine running up the side of the mountain. I was not flying figure eights, rather circles and suddenly I was picked up by the tail, nose pointing what looked straight down, but was still being pulled skyward. My only thought was "oh, that is how hang gliders get tumbled, glad I have tail feathers.." I recovered and continued my circling to get on top, never a thought about what really happened. I was too young, inexperienced and stupid to realize how the hand of fate gave me a break that day. Be careful, don't be afraid to ask questions and heed JJ's advice. On another flight that same week I was over West guard pass at 15,000 ft, when I thought I would fly under a cell to see what happened. I barely made straight in downwind landing at Bishop, 8 miles away. Get some training if you are going to fly the mountains!!! Then be careful and leave an out it is very unforgiving.