Did you put on sunscreen? The sun is very strong in the mountains.
Crema solare: KREH-mah so-LAH-reh. Solare has the stress on the second syllable.
A caring phrase to offer to a hiking companion or fellow hiker who looks unprepared. Italians are quite open about offering unsolicited but well-meant advice outdoors.
Si è messo/a is the reflexive passato prossimo — 'did you put on (for yourself)'. Forte here means strong/intense, not loud. The messa/messo agreement depends on gender.
L'UV in quota è più intenso.
UV radiation is more intense at altitude.
Scientific explanation — useful for convincing reluctant companions.
Hai un cappello? Il sole picchia forte.
Do you have a hat? The sun is beating down hard.
Picchiare forte is idiomatic for intense sunshine.
Ti presto la mia crema se vuoi.
I'll lend you my cream if you like.
Generous offer — sharing sunscreen is common on Italian trails.
UV radiation increases by approximately 10-12% for every 1000m of altitude. At 2000m, you receive roughly 20-25% more UV than at sea level. Italian mountain guides always carry SPF50+ and recommend reapplying every two hours.