Looking for advice - been honing my skills on the frozen lakes of the upper midwest, and am really interested in taking a trip west this March/April. Mostly new to the sport this year, am comfortable controlling my 11m when winds are right, but don't know how different a mountain environment is when considering gusts/updrafts and terrain factors.

I'd like to think I can come out and improve my skills, considering the terrain and wind factor - is this a safe assumption?

Ya man go for it! Just get out here and lets go kiting! Look up jackson hole kiters on facebook for info. No better way to learn than watching and following! later

Yes.