is either on a Up Slope or Down Slope
NO, there is very little grading needed - you just dig your foundation footing ( look at the pictures below )
Its not easier or more difficult then building in the city, it just how its done in the mountains.
NO, you do not build on a slab like in the city, you build on a build up or a raised foundation.
Even if you are building on a level lot you would build on a build up - You want your house off the ground and away from the snow.
Building on a build up it keeps your home off the ground and away from the snow.
Building on a build up gives you under house storage
Buy Vacant land in the mountains