We all need to ride Whistler
I was in Whistler for 2 weeks with my brother last year, so maybe I can help.
+1 for Southside Hostel for accommodation. Was cheap as chips, basic as has been mentioned, but for the price I could not fault it. A few bonuses staying here: you can bring bikes into your room (at least we could last year), you're close to the grocers, and also close to Lake Alta... great for swimming after a day of riding. The bus ride from the Hostel was pretty quick, and then it was a 5 min walk to the hire shop. Yes, it does add a little time, but not much considering how long the lifts are open for! The other thing is that after a few hours of dhing, you're probably going to want a rest. Keep perspective here is what I''m saying. Having a few hours off on a short day, or even a day off (if you're there long enough) will actually keep you more stoked. You've got 1000m of descent to play with, it's a bit!!
Back on point, I also hired from Evolution, found them really friendly and professional. I was switching between A GT Fury and a carbon V10, and the bike was always in good shape.
In term of trails... Where to begin?? If you've got more than a few days I would probably just explore the bottom section (Fitzsimmons lift) on the first day, allows you to get used to your hire bike, how the dirt slides, and also gives you a chance to get over any over-excitement that might cause you to go too big and crash. Warming up on things like B line, Crank it Up, and any of the easier tech stuff will help you to find your mojo. Day two would be a chance to get up the Garbanzo lift and have a look around up there. Blue Velvet was a pretty cool trail to warm up on. Stepping up a little here....Original Sin and Duffman are fun and not too techy, but keep in mind these are black diamond, so don't hit them cold your first time up there.
After this, go for everything! Classic upper stuff like Drop In Clinic and Goats Gully is sick, Fatcrobat was cool. One of the best rides was hitting up something in the Garbo zone, then coming out at Dirt Merchant and cruising that until you connect with A-Line. Just sick. And I'm getting a little choked up thinking how good that trip was! Any questions, please ask more.
Kurt