I conect mine around the tree with a sliding noose, and slide it up the tree as I go. I have to loosen it and tighten back down as I go, takes a little work but is very safe. Once I get to the top, I adjust it above my head and lock the stand in.
The most dangerous times in the stand is climing up and down. Some guys think it is to much of a pain, but well worth the extra work/time.