HIGH PLAINS SHEEPSKIN was started in the cold, windy basins of southern Wyoming (hence the "HIGH PLAINS") in 1975. The owner, Gary Thomas, had several years of experience in the tanning and industrial sheepskin products business prior to starting his own business. He started out as a sheepskin finisher and grader in a tannery and apprenticed under an "old school" Czech craftsman, who made sheepskin saddle pads, paint rollers and industrial applicators.

This is still pretty much a one-man operation. While there are several skilled people that he calls in to help on occasion, Gary spends the Montana spring and summer building the thousands of pairs of slippers that High Plains ships to it's many customers around the U.S. and Canada. Formerly in Laramie, Wyoming, then on Last Chance Gulch in Helena, HIGH PLAINS now operates out of a building in the one block long downtown of East Helena, Montana. It is a quiet spot in good country. We like the pace and way of life in this neck of the woods. This website is an effort to expand our market a bit, and make it easier for you to keep in touch with us. We still make 'em one at a time; we like working with our hands. Thanks for making it possible by your past business.