The 15th World Cup season began in December 1980 in France and concluded in March 1981 in Switzerland.

Six-time women's overall champion Annemarie Moser-Pröll of Austria, who first competed on the World Cup tour in 1969 at age 16, and four-time men's overall champion Gustav Thöni of Italy, who first competed on the World Cup tour in 1970 at age 18, both retired at the end of the 1980 season.

In part to stop this exodus of talent, the International Ski Federation decided to offer a new kind of license to its athletes, called a "B license", which permitted holders to receive sponsorship payments directly (instead of through their federation) but still retain their World Cup eligibility.

see complete table In men's giant slalom World Cup 1980/81 the best 5 results count.

see complete table In women's downhill World Cup 1980/81 the best 5 results count.

see complete table In women's giant slalom World Cup 1980/81 the best 5 results count.