We apply quartz ³He paleothermometry along two deglaciation profiles in the European Alps to reconstruct temperature evolution since the Last Glacial Maximum. We observe a ³He thermal signal clearly colder than today in all bedrock surface samples exposed prior the Holocene. Current uncertainties in ³He diffusion kinetics do not permit distinguishing if this signal results from Late Pleistocene ambient temperature changes or from recent ground temperature variation due to permafrost degradation.