Generally these days hiking poles are collapseable. You will be using them for high power moves (standing up) and you do not want them to collapse. If you trust your poles, buy large baskets (good luck friend) otherwise use a one piece pole with a large basket, again good luck - maybe antiques from ebay?
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Since you almost always have the pole in your hand it will not have to collapse for carry in your pack. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
P.S.Oh one pole may be enough for snow shoeing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

P.P.s. your pole can used to push down on the front tip of your snowshoe so you can lift the rear end of it say to back up or get around an obstacle or to get "unstuck". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />