I just got snowshoes for my birthday!! Been wanting them for years. I got Tubbs adventure 21 Womens' snowshoes. I am so looking forward to getting out and doing some decent hikes with them. They are my first Shoes. Do you use poles when you go shoeing? I have x-country ski poles that I could use. Do you think that'd be ok? Is there anything special I should know? Any techniques that work for uphills or downhills? I am really a novice at this and will appreciate any advice you pros can give. I'm kinda housebound for a couple of weeks, but as soon as I can get out, those shoes are going to be walking many miles! I can't wait!

Thanks for any advice!

Annie