My wife and I have Fischer skis that we like really well for all kinds of tooting around in the woods and touring on slopes. We bought them at a ski swap with bindings for around $150 bucks per pair. (Add shoes to the cost).

Mine are the "Boundless" model with no wax base, metal edges, wider
for deep snow. With 3 pin boots and skins they are a go anywhere ski. I use them at the down hill area with tele boots when teaching beginners.

My wife has "rebounds" with waxless base and narrower width that fit in groomed tracks a bit better. Stiff enough and short enough for off piste skating when the snow is firm too. Some friends use these for 50 mile backcountry day trips when the snow is perfect for skating.

That said, for emergencies, snow shoes fit most any shoe, most anyone, and store in more compact spaces. I made my own once from aluminum tubing, polypro rope, wire and webbing.

Skiers remember too that you can make rope climbers from P-cord
or polypro rope that will enable you to climb even icy slopes.