At 21 years old, Wanaka’s Luca “Huck” Harrington is no stranger to heights, both in altitude and achievement. With an XGames gold in Slopestyle, silver in Big Air, and two World Cup Big Air wins under his belt, Luca isn’t just keeping up with the world’s best—he’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in freestyle skiing.
His first major breakthrough came when he qualified for his first World Cup Finals. “That was the first time I felt like I had a future in this sport,” he recalls. From that moment, his path was set.
Freestyle skiing is a sport of extremes—extreme skill, extreme risk, and extreme mental toughness. While Luca has always had a taste for adrenaline, even as a kid learning his times tables while flipping on a trampoline, fear has become a bigger factor as he’s progressed. “Risk is something I’ve had to work hard to overcome,” he admits.
That mental game is what separates the good from the rest. “Skiing is almost more mental than physical,” he says. “If I’m learning a new trick, I might only get to try it a couple of times in a day physically, but I can practice it in my head as many times as I want.”
That mindset was tested at the X Games, where he landed a triple cork 2160 blunt—a trick that earned him silver but also left him questioning whether he’d ever attempt it again. “It was the most terrifying yet rewarding moment of my life.”
Training and Staying Ahead of the Curve
Luca’s daily routine is a relentless mix of skiing, strength training, and physiotherapy, ensuring his body can handle the demands of high-impact tricks. “Every day is about pushing my own limits and the limits of the sport,” he says. But as freestyle skiing is constantly evolving, staying ahead is an endless challenge. “I’ve only recently reached the point where I’m learning tricks that have never been done before.”
And with progress comes pressure. Competing at the highest level means battling nerves, expectations, and the ever-present risk of injury. “Handling pressure has been one of the hardest challenges of my career,” he admits. “But the more I’ve experienced it, the more comfortable I’ve become. I remind myself that nerves are a good thing—it would be concerning if I wasn’t a little scared.”
The Highs and Lows of Competition
For Luca, competing is a double-edged sword. From landing a new trick or stepping onto the podium is unmatched, but the toll it takes on the body and mind is brutal. “It’s a war you put yourself through,” he says. “From pre-comp prep to the last run in finals, it’s physically and mentally exhausting.”
There have been times when he’s questioned the risks. “Last year, I pushed it too far and ended up injured. That was a wake-up call—you have to think about the bigger picture and whether it’s worth jeopardizing the rest of your season.”
Despite the sacrifices, Luca’s passion for the sport remains unwavering. When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring freeskiers, his answer is simple: “Ski as much as you can and enjoy every moment of it. The best way to get better at anything is to just go out there and do it.”
Looking Ahead
Where does Luca see the future of freestyle skiing? Bigger tricks? New formats? He’s not sure. But one thing is certain—he’s going to keep pushing. “I look forward to continuing the progression.”
A product of Wanaka’s rich skiing heritage, Luca has drawn inspiration from local legends like the Wells brothers, the Bilous brothers, and the Porteous brothers. “Growing up watching their success was hugely motivating,” he says.
But he hasn’t done it alone. “Huge shoutout to my parents, friends, family, sponsors, and supporters,” he says. “So many people have had a massive impact on my life and have helped me achieve my dreams. I’m extremely grateful.”
At just 21, Luca Harrington is already leaving his mark on freestyle skiing, the best is yet to come.
From Ski & Snow Magazine 2025 – see HERE
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