The 1996–97 FIS Cross-Country World Cup was the 16th official World Cup season in cross-country skiing for men and women.

The season began in Kiruna, Sweden, on 23 November 1996 and finished in Holmenkollen, Oslo, Norway, on 15 March 1997.

Bjørn Dæhlie of Norway won the overall men's cup,[1] and Yelena Välbe of Russia won the women's.

Hence results from those races are included in the World Cup overall.

Hence results from those races are included in the World Cup overall.