 Evidence of past fortifications and old firing points are still visible throughout the area

Towards the end of World War II, the highest engagement of the entire war occurred on the glaciers above Chamonix.With the Germans nearly defeated, and their garrison in Chamonix surrounded by the liberating forces, a contingent of Austro-German soldier—who were based around the Torino Hut on the Italian side of the massif—launched a dawn bombardment on Chamonix from positions adjacent to the cable car station on the Col du Midi.Their attack was met with fierce opposition from French resistance fighters, and took place at an altitude of .