The season started on 16 January 1986 in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, and ended on 16 March 1986 in Boden, Sweden.

It was the ninth season of the Biathlon World Cup.

Below is the World Cup calendar for the 1985–86 season.

[1][2][3] *The relays were technically unofficial races as they did not count towards anything in the World Cup.

[1][2][17] Following notable biathletes retired after the 1985–86 season: