The season started on 10 January 1985 in Minsk, Soviet Union, and ended on 9 March 1985 in Holmenkollen, Norway.

In Oberhof, the skating style of skiing made its introduction to biathlon.

[3] The World Cup scoring system was changed before this season.

[5][6][7] *The relays were technically unofficial races as they did not count towards anything in the World Cup.

*The relays were technically unofficial races as they did not count towards anything in the World Cup.