A pink moon’s coming -- and with it a party on top of Mammoth Mountain

Mountain folk always seem calmer than city folk, but they can go a little wild during the pink moon.

Anyone can join in the craziness Saturday during Mammoth Mountain’s second Pink Moon Summit Party when folks are free to party or even run, bike or ski to the top of the 11,053-foot mountain.

The party takes its name from the pink moon, which doesn’t really turn pink. It’s an old-time name for April’s full moon, which coincides with bloom time for bright pink flowers called moss pink or ground phlox, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says.

For the ski resort in Mammoth Lakes, a pink moon is reason enough to host the party and the Ezakimak Challenge (“ezakimak” is “kamikaze” spelled backward) in which participants 18 and older race on cross-country skis, snowshoes, fat bikes (BYO bike) or on foot to cover three miles up to the high-altitude summit.

Race registration costs $40 in advance online through Friday, or $50 on race day, and it includes Pink Moon Party admission.

Racers can begin picking up their running bibs at 3 p.m., and the Ezakimak Challenge (try saying that three times fast) takes place from 7 to 9 p.m.

Spectator admission to the party, which includes the scenic panoramic gondola ride, costs $25 for adults (13 and older) and is free for kids 12 and under (but they’ll need a $12 gondola pass to reach the summit).

The revelry runs from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. The party can accommodate up to 1,000 guests; advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are refundable if the event is canceled due to weather. There are discounts for Cali4nia Passholders too.

Info: Mammoth Mountain, (800) 626-6684

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