Steamboat Springs — Colorado's ski area trade organization is leading an initiative to offer residents ski-themed license plates for their vehicles.

Colorado Ski Country USA, a nonprofit association that represents the state's 26 ski resorts, says continued interest from residents was a motivating factor for the license plate drive. The organization must collect 3,000 signatures from residents with valid Colorado addresses, and turn that application in to the Colorado Department of Revenue, according to a news release.

Rob Perlman, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA, said skiing and snowboarding are an integral part of Colorado's culture, heritage and economy.

"Ever since I can remember, folks have been asking for a ski license plate for Colorado," Perlman said in a statement. "We seemed to be the logical group to help work with the state to be able to offer one."

A prototype design shows a skier in the middle of the license plate making turns down a snowy mountainside, with a snowboarder executing a grab behind the skier. "Ski Country USA" is written along the bottom of the plate.

Colorado Ski Country USA said the final design of the license plate would be decided by the Department of Revenue. If approved, the ski plate could be available by 2009. Specialty license plates cost $50.

Anyone interested in supporting the drive can add their name to a list at www.coloradoskiplate.com.