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I am aware that this is an old question, been discussed
Having "due to" is more adjectival, although I am not that particular, but what if the word in front is adjective?
e.g.
Most of grammar books describe that due to acts more adjectival. We all know but this question (+1, of course) forces me to dig in deeper. And, I found something useful...
In the book Woe Is I The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English, the author proposes to substitute "due to" for “caused by” or “resulting from.” She explains that if a sentence begins with “due to,” as in “Due to inclement weather, school was canceled,” the sentence is “probably wrong.” - Grammar Girl
While keeping general rules aside for a special case like this (adjective ahead), I think following this rule does not harm the structure.
Having said that,
Climbing that mountain is difficult because of its height -sounds preferable to me.
Note - COCAE shows results of both the usages (...difficult because of... and ...difficult due to ...) but then the former returns with over hundred results, the latter sticks around a couple of dozens.
The phrase "Due to" can, in a very specific context, refer to the holder of a debt. Consider the following example:
"The money due to the bank had not been paid."
It is not at all uncommon, however, to see the phrase "Due to" used in a "because" context, such as the following:
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, today's meeting has been cancelled."
both usage is right in your sentences.
to elaborate the difference, the usage of "due to" is found in more formal / legal situations.
e.g. 1) I got delayed because of traffic (not due to) 2) The cash payable due to him broke me. 3) I like ice cream because of its chillness. 4) His emotions were twisted due to Shakespearean plays.
