The 21st World Cup season began in August 1986 in Argentina for men, resumed in late November, and concluded in March 1987 in Sarajevo.

Two-time women's overall World Cup champion Erika Hess of Switzerland retired at the end of the season.

In addition, despite the presence of two tiebreakers, the ladies' Giant Slalom discipline ended in a tie.

A break in the schedule was for the 1987 World Championships, held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, between January 27 and February 8, 1987. see complete table In Men's Overall World Cup 1986/87 the best four downhills, the best four Super Gs, best four giant slaloms, best four slaloms and both combined count.

see complete table In Men's Giant Slalom World Cup 1986/87 the best five results count.

see complete table In Women's Giant Slalom World Cup 1986/87 the best five results count.

Points were only awarded to athletes, who were able to finish in both events (downhill and slalom) in top thirty.