The 16th World Cup season began in December 1981 in France and concluded in March 1982, also in France. Phil Mahre of the US repeated as overall champion, the second of his three consecutive titles. Erika Hess of Switzerland won the women's overall title.
A break in the schedule was for the 1982 World Championships, held in Schladming, Austria, between January 31 and February 7, 1982. The women's races were held in Haus im Ennstal.
For the 1982 overall title, the best five downhills, best five giant slaloms, best five slaloms and best three combined counted. Thirty racers had a point deduction.
In Men's Downhill World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. 14 racers had a point deduction, which are given in ().
In Men's Giant Slalom World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. 10 racers had a point deduction, which are given in (). Phil Mahre won the cup with only one win.
In Men's Slalom World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. 8 racers had a point deduction, which are given in ().
In Men's Combined World Cup 1981/82 all 5 results count. Phil Mahre won his third Combined World Cup in a row.
In Women's Overall World Cup 1981/82 the best five downhills, best five giant slaloms, best five slaloms and best three combined count. 25 racers had a point deduction.