When planning your flight, study the VFR charts for the frequen› cies and locations to use for making position reports and getting  weather updates. In many mountainous areas, Flight Watch will  not be usable; so you will need alternatives. In most places, you  will be able to reach a flight service station through an RCO or  VOR site. Have these frequencies written on your flight log for  ready reference when you need them.  Winter operations at mountain airports may present some things  that you aren’t normally faced with in the flatlands. Check the  NOTAMs carefully for any unusual runway conditions due to  snow, ice, or other hazards.  If  you  will  need engine preheat ser› vices or de-ice services, call ahead since some smaller airports do  not have these available. Finally, if your destination is a popular  ski country airport, you may find parking space limited or simply  not available. Again, a call ahead may save a change in plans.  Starting and taxi at high altitudes are performed as you would at  sea level, except you must lean the mixture significantly to avoid  fouling the spark plugs. Run-up  is  also normal except a full power  run-up of non turbocharged engines should be used to set mixture  for takeoff power. The POH should be followed strictly for tur› bocharged engine operation.  For takeoff, the minimum flap setting recommended by the POH is  usually recommended for best performance. A full power check  should be performed on the runway. adjusting mixture for best  power if necessary, and checking for proper engine RPM, manifold  pressure, and fuel flow. As discussed earlier, rotation and liftoff  should be at normal indicated airspeeds.  It  is important not to  over rotate to avoid high drag and poor takeoff performance.  A normal climb profile is usually sufficient for most mountain air› ports you will visit. Your POH should be the guide for selecting  the proper speeds for the conditions. For most light aircraft, the  10  Climb  Takeoff  Operations During A Cross-country Flight  Starting, Taxi, and Run-up  Winter Operations  Usable Frequencies 