Are you supposed to cut back hosta plants before winter?

I don't think you really HAVE to, but it is one less thing to worry about with spring coming next. I always tried to cut mine back before ground started to freeze in MD.

I never cut back the leaves on Hosta's as they are providing nourishment to the roots. When they die naturally, then you can clean the bed.

No they die down naturally

I live in easter Canada ,have never cut them back , mine have to be separated they are so big.I will do that in the spring.

I wait too until they die, then cut back completely and clean out the area so it's fresh for spring

I cut mine back after all the leaves have turned yellow.

You can or you can leave them until spring. They will die back anyway when they get less water and it gets cooler.