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.
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 (). The same tie-breaking rule in effect in 1977 (which awarded Heini Hemmi a discipline title over Ingemar Stenmark) were still in effect—best sixth score. Thus, Canada's Steve Podborski was awarded the season title and discipline trophy over two-time winner Peter Müller by having a better sixth score (12, for a fourth-place finish, compared to 10, for a sixth-place finish).
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 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.
In women's downhill World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. Ten racers had a point deduction, which are given in (). Only four different venues in two different countries. Marie-Cécile Gros-Gaudenier won the cup with only one win.
In women's giant slalom World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. Seven racers had a point deduction, which are given in (). The Epple-sisters won 7 races out of 9!
In women's slalom World Cup 1981/82 the best 5 results count. 14 racers had a point deduction, which are given in (). Erika Hess won five races. She won the World Cup with maximum points.