I need advice of driving up and down mountains for the first time?

So I'm going on a tip to big bear this Friday and i need a little advice because it's my first time. I'm think of either taking a new 2014 hybrid honda insight or a 2006 Nissan Altima. My Nissan. Front brakes have been changed almost two weeks ago but I didn't change the backs. I'm not even sure if the hybrid can go up te mountains. So can someone please give me any help?

Use lower gears, stay off the brakes as much as possible, stay to the right of the center line (sometimes hard to do on tight curves), and keep all 4 wheels on the pavement.