If you are looking for your first ice axe we reccomend the following:
These are very general guide lines. If you using it for hiking in the snow longer may be appropriate. It is a little better to use as a walking cane.
As the slopes get steeper a shorter axe is easier to plunge above your head and they swing better when used like an ice tool.
A general guide line for ice axe length is holding it along your side. If it reaches your ankle it is a good length. We tend to ignore this method though. We think what you are using the axe for is more important than your length.
If you have any questions feel free to email or call us (907) 272-1811