The 31st World Cup season began in October 1996 in Sölden, Austria, and concluded in March 1997 in the United States at the World Cup finals at Vail, Colorado.

The overall winners were Luc Alphand of France and Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden, the only championship for each.

Alphand, who won by just 34 points, became the first male French overall winner in 29 years, since Jean-Claude Killy in 1968.

Five-time overall World Cup champion Marc Girardelli of Luxembourg also retired during the season after suffering another knee injury during a race in December 1996.

A break in the schedule was for the World Championships, held 3–15 February in Sestriere, northwestern Italy.