Kari Ristanen (born July 27, 1958) was a Finnish cross-country skier who competed during the 1980s.
He won a bronze medal in the 4 x 10 km relay at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
Ristanen also won a silver in the 4 x 10 km relay at the 1989 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti.
His best individual finish was second twice in the World Cup (1985, 1986).