Ice axe

[Powdurr]

Hi,
I am looking for an ice axe for spring back country skiing. I am probably going to get the BD raven pro. I was wondering what size I should get. I am about 5'11".

Thanks

[skinnyskier]

Get the shortest one you can find, a 50cm or 55cm. You'll be using ski poles when it ain't steep and you don't want a big axe sticking way above the top of your pack when you ski.

[El Kabong]

i have charlet moser snoracer. really light and small so it stays out of the way when stashed on my pack. highly recommended.

[snorkeldeep]

its really a question of preference.. i carry a longer axe (im 6'7") and generally use a 75 cm.. which sticks out way above my pack. on anything fairly steep i like having the extra length. however, lately ive been thinking about going the other extreme as well, and getting some whippets. generally, i have it out when i think i might need to self arrest - otherwise, ski poles are fine.. its really a judgement call.

[cj001f]

60cm is the shortest "useful" axe, IMHO. I'm about your height.

Any shorter and a whippett is just as useful, possibly more so.