Cherie Oates stands in the doorway of her home in Aspen on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. (Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times) Editor’s note: This feature is one in a series we call “Experienced Aspen,” a special section recognizing the life and experiences of Aspen’s most well-rounded citizens. Cherie Gerbaz Oates was there for arguably the most important moment in Aspen’s history. It was the winter of 1946-47 and the mining town had just started operating its newest crown jewel — Lift 1 — a milestone that forever changed the trajectory of the community and made it into one of the world’s most prized skiing destinations.