Mr. Christie made the case that by treating Democrats in New Jersey as friendly adversaries, not enemies, he got things done. It was a message that went down well with a group of 250 establishment Republicans, dressed in blazers, gingham shirts and loafers, who gathered at an early so-called beauty contest for 2016 presidential hopefuls. Winning the support of these financial heavy-hitters, who raised $1 billion for Mr. Romney’s bid in 2012, is a crucial step for a candidate.

Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, who was Mr. Romney’s running mate, and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, the Tea Party favorite, also addressed the gathering, which was held over two days at the luxury Stein Eriksen Lodge, against a backdrop of snowless ski trails…

The group of national finance directors and state leaders were among Romney insiders who believed Mr. Christie’s embrace of the president before the election had cost them votes, and maybe even influenced the outcome…

Still, not everyone was in a forgiving mood. A major Romney fund-raiser brushed off the standing ovation as simple politeness. Mr. Christie “broke the bro’ code,” said the donor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to agitate Christie supporters. “I’m telling you straight up, there’s a large group of people in that room who are N.O.P.E. on Chris Christie — not one penny ever.”