Question: I have now thus far wandered the cold mountains of Skyrim for many hours, and I have seen many "ore" deposits that seem "mine-able". When I attempt to interact with these deposits I get a message that says something to the effect of "you need a [pickaxe](http://uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Pickaxe#Pickaxe) to mine that". I'll check the exact message text next time I'm playing. I've been to several towns, and I haven't seen a pickaxe for sale anywhere. Am I missing something? Where do I get what I need to mine ore?

Answer: 
Picks turn up commonly in and around mines - look for the crossed hammer icon on the maps (shown here):

[How do I find an ore mine?](https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35372/how-do-i-find-an-ore-mine)

You'll also see them in some of the shops in the villages.
You don't need to buy one. Almost every [mine](http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Mines) will have a [pickaxe](http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Pickaxe) lying around that you can use. 

If not,check various barrels and sacks,also they are often found on enemies you kill in mines.