Like so much that is involved in preparedness, your skill/experience is the most important element. You can't just jump on a pair of skis and go barreling through the woods, but if you know what you are doing, you can cover a lot of ground very quickly. You will also know precisely which items work best in your situation.

Snowshoes are simple and basic enough that almost anyone can learn the basics in about fifty yards. I would keep both handy, althoug my skiing is very rusty....